Mama Miah!

Having a regular exercise is very important to all the expectant mothers out there. Even a simple walking for 30 minutes is already good for you. Here's a helpful video I have found on YouTube: How to Exercise when Pregnant.

Good posture must be maintained all throughout pregnancy. The temptation to slouch is strong, especially during the last trimester, when baby’s weigh pulls the abdomen forward. Compensating by leaning backward puts undue stress on her back. High heels make things worse. However, a proper posture is not enough. A pregnant woman needs exercise more than ever to keep fit, prevent the development of varicose veins by improving circulation, and make labor a little easier. Here are some Helpful Exercise During Pregnancy:

From a standing position, sit down until your knees are fully bent and you are balanced on the balls of your feet. Do about 10 repetitions at a time. (For support, you can hold on to a chair and place a 4-cm-thick piece of wood or a rolled-up rug under your heels.)

1. Sit down and draw imaginary circles with your big toe by turning the ankles clockwise, then counter-clockwise. Do about 10 repetitions in each direction. Do the same with the other foot.

2. Alternately point your toes up then forward (forming a straight line from knee to toe). Do about 10 repetitions for each toe.

Get down on your hands and knees, and keep your back flat. Then simultaneously draw in your abdomen, tighten your buttocks, tilt your hips forward, and exhale. Do about 10 repetitions.

Source: Philippines Health Guide 2000.

TRIVIA:

Did You Know?

Studies have shown that women who work out while pregnant gain less weight, lose postpartum pounds more quickly, have faster deliveries, and are less likely to need a c-section.

Hello, soon to be Mom! Are you about to give birth in a month or less? Have you packed the things that you and your baby needs after giving birth? If not, here are some important things that you might consider to pack beforehand:

Ultrasound is an important thing to do for every pregnant women, it's not just for checking a baby's gender but it is also used to check the baby's condition and development.

I had my first Ultrasound when I was on my 11 weeks and 6 days of pregnancy. I felt nervous and at the same time excited. I think it was in my 3rd Ultrasound test where we knew that there's a high percentage that our baby is a girl. I think she was shy because she's hiding her gender between her legs.

It was confirmed in my 4th Ultrasound that our baby is a girl. It wasn't that surprising because we had been told in our last ultrasound result that it's probably a girl. I really can't explain how I feel, I got mixed emotions during those times. I feel like crying watching her on the monitor and I almost cried when she looked at my direction and I saw her yawn, it's like she's telling me: "Mommy, I'm sleepy". Awww.... I feel so happy and knowing that she is in good condition made me even more happy. :)

I rarely had photos of me showing my tummy when I was pregnant and this shot is what I love most. I'm on my 7th month here by the way when I attended a Christmas party last December 2011... :)

I was browsing some photos on Pinterest and saw some really cool photos on Maternity Photography. I wish I have thought about this and have a photo-shoot of me and my tummy while I was still pregnant. Regrets... well, at least I got a few shots to keep and reminisce... :)

Anyways, here's are some of the maternity photography shots that I liked most...

Hi there! I want you to meet our little angel, Miel... 

A friend told me that names ending in "el" (like Gabriel, Michael, Raphael, etc.) are your angels sent by God in human form .Then, I thought of my newborn baby and smiled because she is indeed our little angel, who gives us happiness, hope, strength and love. Our life has never been this happier and colorful if she wasn't around and this blog will be our online journal to share to everyone our life's blessing, Athena Miel... :)