22 weeks (and it`s a boy!)…
Another week of pregnancy gone by! I went to the clinic yesterday with Shun and we found out that goma-chan is indeed a boy as I suspected all along. They added yesterday`s ultrasound to the DVD that I already had so instead of a picture I have uploaded that here…
About half way through the doctor tells us it is a boy and near the end they switch to 3D to try and have a better look at the face but he has his arms up and it is not a very clear picture- I can request 3D pictures anytime I have a scan though so I will ask to get another look at the face next time and a still print out (I have a copy of each image printed out every time they paused during the above video which I think was about 7 in total). He is growing well, right on size and is currently about 450grams and I have gained just under 2kg since getting pregnant (bit of a shock to me- I was sure they were going to tell me I would of had a big weight gain this time)
Shun was a little disappointed I think to here that goma-chan is a boy- he had his heart set on a little girl but I was kind of fine either way for my first baby- so those mum`s of boys out there- any hints will be gratefully appreciated!!! I am glad that my first time using “mother instincts” were correct and that goma-chan was a boy. I probably would of felt bad if I had been wrong!!! We have let my parents and Shun`s parents know and I even rang my brother as I was that excited (we mail and message a bit but it is very rare for me to ring him directly- sometimes if he is home when I speak to mum he will come on to chat for a couple of minutes but that is all. Also got to speak with Gem, his girlfriend who was suitably excited that she will have a nephew!)
I had a meeting with a midwife/nurse (she didn`t say what she was- or if she did I missed it) yesterday as well which was great. She wanted some medical history questions answered and to discuss the choices I had made for room and birthing style (private room and freestyle labour room) and just to discuss the hospitals policies. Shun had read a sheet to me that had gone through most of it so I had a bit of an idea but it was nice to speak to this nice lady as well. She said with freestyle birthing rooms there is no beds but if I choose during labour to use a bed that is fine also- Basically it is just a six tatami mat room with a exercise ball, access to a bath/shower, shelves to lean on and pillows. I can bring anything I want from home as well as they have a CD player and aromotherapy set up and I can also bring any extra pillows etc. No need to be in stirrips for birth! YAY! Walking and moving around during labour is also encouraged which is nice.
Also they don`t do the “choki choki” unless the baby goes into distress and even then they apparently need to talk it over with me first. I am glad that they might not CUT me down there. YAY! They also do kangaroo care (what Japanese hospitals seem to call pro-breastfeeding) and lay the baby on the mum`s tummy before they cut the umbilical cord and encourage you to breastfeed then to allow for an easier time birthing the placenta. I can also cut the umbilical cord (or Shun) if we wanted to- I think I will be fine and Shun already said there was no way in hell he wanted to do it. It took him enough convincing to actually be in the same room as me when I gave birth and I am still not 100% sure he won`t faint- he is bad with any kind of blood or needles.
Shun is allowed to stay with me during the whole labour and birth- which will all be done in the same room. He can also stay on the sofa in my room and use the shower etc if he wants to but I think he will probably come home to try and get some proper sleep in our bed. It is nice that he can though! Father`s also have no visiting hour restrictions if you are in a private room which is nice since most nights Shun doesn`t finish work til late but it means he can still visit Goma & I at the hospital for the 5 days we will be there. Even if I end up needing a c-section or there are some complications then usually the father`s are still allowed to stay with their wives/partners.
They offer mother classes, maternity yoga and also baby massage courses that I can sign up for- there is also a class that both Shun & I can attend. I have to get Shun to check out the online booking system and check out what dates the different things are on offer.
I am doing well- I can understand why they say the second trimester is the easiest. Apart from the occasional heartburn and tiredness I am really having no issues. My belly feels as if it is getting a bit heavier so a lot of walking is sometimes a bit annoying but if I can stop for a rest every so often then I am usually fine. Goma moves around a lot now usually the most between about 7pm-10pm. He kicked so hard the other night though that it woke me up. I can see my tummy move from the outside but most of the time he is fairly mellow- he will usually move for Shun ( or me) though if he puts his hands on my belly.
The belly is definitely growing too- here is a 22 week belly shot taken tonight. I am already in my pj`s! Most people seem to know I am pregnant now too (and not just fat!) and a couple of people even stand up for me on the train. I feel bad sometimes but if I am going more than a couple of stations I will usually except it! Train travel still seems to make me a bit queasy!
ps: Anyone in Kanto feel the rather large earthquake just before 8pm tonight? The biggest I have felt I think and I was suitably freaked out when stuff fell off the book shelf and the doors and windows rattled.
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You are definitely looking pregnant, not fat!!!!
)
Yay for a boy, he is going to be so adorable
)
I also love the name ‘freestyle room’ – sounds more like a nightclub than a birthing suite! Sounds like they have very good facilities over there too – what an exciting time!
Your birth clinic sounds great – any bets on where Sarah will want to have her next baby!!
I can 100% guarantee you will not be in a state to talk anything over at the ’should we choki choki’ or not stage of things so perhaps have a good think about it now and let them know. As someone who has experienced both – my choki choki stitches healed better than my natural tear stictches – thats because chokichoki is in a straight line and natural tears tend to zigzag.
But then whos to say I would have torn naturally with Shou if they had waited a second longer – or done some massage or whatever. Enough about warwounds.
Congratulations on having spot on mummy instincts.
I must admit I wanted Ryu to be a girl but when he came out – and more so now, I am just so in love with my cute rolly wee bundle of boy. He has some very cute clothes by the way…
interested?
Let me know.
Oh, and bloody good job on the weight gain – or lack of it rather. How on earth did you only manage 2kg in twenty two weeks? I think I had put on nearly 8!
Congrats on finding out the gender and the baby bump.
2kgs is definitely not bad at all!!! I think I just gained 1kg in 2 weeks, its starting to catch up.
PS. Yes, we did feel the earthquake this morning.
Your clinic sounds awesome! I’m glad to hear that there are places in Japan that allow you so much freedom and choice during the labor, it really sounds ideal. I was getting worried for you guys over there after Sarah’s birth story and all of the other stories people shared over on her blog! China is sort of a mixed bag when it comes to birth, usually depending a lot on what you can afford to pay.
Boys are great, you’re going to have a lot of fun! I kind of wanted Dylan to be a girl before I found out, maybe because I sort of had the rather stereotypical idea that boys are more difficult than girls. My son is definitely a huge bundle of energy, and he definitely gets himself into a lot of mischief, but he’s very loving and sweet too. I am kind of hoping for a girl this time, just because I’d like to have the experience of having a daughter as well as a son, but if it is another son that would be cool too.
Hey Lulu! Sorry its been a while since I’ve popped by. Glad to hear everything is going ok and you’re baby is joining our little boy’s club
I will also admit to being apprehensive when I heard I was having a boy- now I can’t imagine life any other way. He’s an active little guy, but he’s so much fun. Well, you know- you’re one of my few blog followers now (and don’t worry if that changes- once baby is here it’s tough updating your own blog let alone following others). Anyways, congratulations on having a boy and on finding what sounds like a wonderful birthing hospital. (Oh and for the record- leave the choki choki choice up to the midwives/doctors to do only “if necessary” but go natural if possible. I didn’t even feel my tear and if your midwives are really good you might not even tear at all- I kind of feel like with the cutting you have 100 percent chance of needing stitches with the tearing, well much less than that 
You gots the bump alright! And as very cute one, at that =)
I’m so excited you’re having a little boy, and that your clinic is really cooperative and open (alot like mine!) Haha I had to decide FOR Tetsu too that he will be with me for the birth, he’s scared as hell! Clearly standing there and watching is the hard part right…
Hope the easy second trimester lasts especially long for you too! I was all good until around 35 weeks, then the third trimester pains and such began. Fingers crossed for you! Keep us updated abotu goma-chan (goma-kun?) !!
The hospital sounds wonderful
congrats on a boy!!
You look great! Congratulations on a boy – it’s nice when you’re having a first child and so you don’t have people saying “Hope it’s a boy this time?” if you’ve already got a girl and vice versa. We know how people like to offer (unwanted) advice to pregnant women! Glad to hear the second trimester is going better – how exciting! Any names picked out yet?
Congratulations! Boys are so much fun and easy excuse to stay healthy. Every Mama I know who only have boys end up being pretty strong. You will have a blast! You know that I LOVE it and even though guys want a “daddys little girl” often I am sure that your DH will have a blast- who knows, next time he may get his girl
Until then enjoy the spoiling that comes with being the only woman in the household. I was also told by other woman that generally boys adore their mommys as they get older so enjoy the craziness and abundance of love.
Your clinic sounds FANTASTIC. Cheers to an awesome pregnancy so far. Only recommendation- start reading up on dinosaurs *lol*.
PS- I know girls are fantastic too but as I only know about raising boys I am very excited for you guys.
You look wonderful, Lulu! Clinic also sounds like it will be a great place to bring Goma-chan into the world! Now all you have to do is choose between the boys names you like! I’m sure you’ll pick the perfect name for him!
Yay!! As you know I am thrilled for you!!! And certainly jealous of your clinic… haha… maybe baby #2 will be born in Chiba
I’m sure Shun will be thrilled once his son is here! I know Ryohei wanted to have a boy but obviously we had a girl and he is now wrapped around her little finger!! Just takes them a bit longer to adjust than us it seems
Can’t wait to see you in Sept!! Your belly is so cute and you’ve only gained 2kg?! Wow – I was like GW and had at least 8 or so packed on by that point (cry) My doctor would have loved you
Hope we get to see some clear 3D pics soon!! With the both of your genes your little guy is going to be a knock out
Yay!! As you know I am thrilled for you!!! And certainly jealous of your clinic… haha… maybe baby #2 will be born in Chiba
I’m sure Shun will be thrilled once his son is here! I know Ryohei wanted to have a boy but obviously we had a girl and he is now wrapped around her little finger!! Just takes them a bit longer to adjust than us it seems
Can’t wait to see you in Sept!! Your belly is so cute and you’ve only gained 2kg?! Wow – I was like GW and had at least 8 or so packed on by that point (cry) My doctor would have loved you
Hope we get to see some clear 3D pics soon!! With the both of your genes your little guy is going to be a knock out
That clinic sounds awesome!!! Congrats, boys are fun (tiring but fun)! I hope Ash can meet Goma-chan kun and act all oniichan like when he’s born!
You look awesome, lovely little bump.
Ryota was all grossed out about the birth too, he w\vomitted twice and almost passed out , the nurse had to give him oxygen! He did cut the chord though, I made him and there was no arguing with the wife in labour.
Ryota also desperately wanted a little girl, but I think he likes having a little “mini-me” boy now.
Take care!
So it IS a boy! Good intuition, Mama!
Celebrating by leaving my first message ever
PS: Bit jealous of the clinic, too.
Congratulations on your little boy!
Your clinic sounds wonderful, you’re really lucky. I wish there was something like that near me.
I tore a little with the first, nothing with the next two, definitely avoid the cut if you can, it’s GREAT having no war wounds, and you can only achieve that with no cut! (Remember, women who are cut are MORE likely to tear). But I totally agree that you won’t give a damn at the time! Tell them before-hand – only if a) the baby really needs to come out NOW or b) if you look like you are going to tear UP (and even then, try switching positions or breathing and pushing slowly first.
I hope you’ll write more about maternity care in Japan – this “freestyle labour room” thing intrigues me.
It sounds a lot different than the standard in the U.S. these days, which is most people get epidurals and there are way more c-sections than the past. It’s really become over medicalized it seems. Is Australia the same or different?
Oh hun, your belly is soooooo cute!!! You are still looking so slim! I’ve put on more weight than you here in the Netherlands eating rubbish and doing next to no planned exercise. Doh!
Your clinic also sounds awesome and the freestyle birth room sounds almost heavenly in comparison to some other Japan birthing experiences I’ve read about!
I saw there was an earthquake felt in Tokyo last night…hope everything was OK and you, Shun and goma-chan were not too shaken!
That scan is so adorable – we will definitely have to visit next year some time! xx
Congrats! Little boys are so much fun! The clinic sounds amazing, sounds so different than ways things are done here in the US, which isn’t a bad thing!
Heard there was another earthquake last night, hope you and the family are alright.
Congrats to you and Shun! It sounds like you will have a great experience with your birthing clinic!
So it is a boy! If only I had kept reading…
Anyway, offer stands if you would like me to send you some clothes. Just let me know!
And you look truly gorgeous with your pregnant belly!!
Congratulations to you and Shun!!! A little boy sounds great! I have a little brother and he is the sweetest thing ever, especially when he runs and cuddles me when he hasn’t seen me for a few days. So he’s my part-time little boy. Refreshing to hear about so many men wanting daughters these days too – next time!