Pregnancy Apps - BabyCenter: My Pregnancy Today

Technology helped make my pregnancy a memorable experience. Using telephone apps (applications) I was able to listen to examples of a fetus' heartbeat, comparisons of his length to fruits and vegetables, and my favorite, able to see illustrations that "looked" like my baby. It was no surprise when one of the first questions I've been asked by pregnant friends is what apps did I use when I was pregnant. Many of us have smartphones and have grown used to the ease in which we find information, a pregnancy app is also useful in that way. Using apps while pregnant can really bring a smile to your face and builds a connection with your growing baby, because you get to "see" their development.

I downloaded many apps when I first found out I was pregnant. As time went on I deleted the ones that did not offer much content. As apps get updated, their content changes, somethings for the better and sometimes not. At the end of 9 months I was left with just tree apps, two were made by the same developer. The other is no longer in use.

First up: My pick for pregnancy tracking -
I really loved this app. I was constantly getting into it and checking out how my fetus looked. I loved the quality of the pictures. I also liked that I was able to customize my app with my son's information (age, future appointments, his name, potential due date...). When I used the app, over a year ago, the ratings were not as high as they are now. I looked around and found that they have updated it several times and have added new features, like adding a "'Bumpie' to watch your bump grow." I'm happy to see high marks for such an awesome app!

I guess one of the downsides was that I had to create a BabyCenter username. I was not too happy with having to log into BabyCenter, but honestly it has been well worth it. I really like their website and subscribed to their informative weekly emails. Since I used their infant app as well, I didn't have to create a new account.
*When I used this app it was free, but this may have changed.

This app is available at the Google Play and iTunes stores.

iTunes app for Apple devices 

Google play app for Android devices

Hair today, gone tomorrow

I've always had waaaaayyyy tooooo much hair. My hair is very thick, kind of curly, bouncy and black. So black, people think my hair is colored. :( I have experienced hair loss all of my life. I have clogged up many drains. I considered shedding hair, at every shower, a part of my life. It was just how it was.

When I got pregnant, I began to notice less and less hair loss. By the time I was ready to deliver, only a few hairs were falling out. I had read that this was normal. Hormones were helping my body get used to housing a child. These hormones were responsible for healthy skin, nails and hair. I was feeling relieved that my hair loss was curbed. It gets old having to unclog hairballs from the drain while your trying to have a relaxing or quick shower.

Roughly six months after giving birth, I began to loose my hair, again. The amount of hair loss was surprising. For a veteran hair looser, I began to get scared. Clumps and clumps of hair would be on my hands and on the tub floor.  The hair loss was not enough for my husband to notice a big change, but I did see a change in the amount of hair I had. I saw a noticeable difference when I grabbed all my hair in a ponytail. The thickness at the base of the ponytail felt less thick than ever before. After a few hair washes, I knew I had to either make a doctors appointment (that's how freaked out this had me) or do an online search. I chose door number two.

I was very happy when I read comments by mothers that had experienced similar situations. This was a normal part of being a mommy. Our bodies go through a lot of changes. I mean, we end up with a baby!!! So it was not surprising that the hormones that helped me make a healthy child, were now slowly decreasing from my body, leading to my hair loss.

16 months after having my son, my hair loss is back to normal. One to two handfuls of lost hair is normal for me. It sounds weird to write it, but I have so much hair, that loosing two bunches makes no real difference. My hair looks thick and bouncy. When I put my hair in a ponytail, my hair amount is not back to normal, but I do feel a change in my hair thickness.

So in case you're loving that beautiful pregnancy hair of yours, don't feel scared if it starts to fall out. Take it in stride, it's way better than your body thinking it still has a baby inside!


It's shower time!,

-km

Reading A Percentile Chart Birth to 24 months (2 years)

This is a follow up to Part 2 :)

Tim's Percentile Chart

We are referencing Tim's percentile chart (above). Let's look at Tim's Length.

This part is different because we are looking at the top of the chart, not the bottom. 

Ignore the bottom. 

I have plugged in 3 points to use as Tim's length and will explain each one.

To begin, I plugged in all the missing months (optional but helpful)

Using inches (not cm but it is the same exact process) I looked for the correct number of inches ~22 in at birth. 

I marked where both of these numbers meet (1).

I then followed the percentile line with my finger to see where he landed (95%).

I used this same method to plug the other two lengths. 

*It does happen that numbers fall between percentile marks, look where your child landed, between the numbers, and try to judge which percent your child is closest to. Using that number, estimate your child's percentage (Please see the examples).  

Reading Tim's Percentages:

*At birth - Tim's Length: 22 inches (~55 cm) - See Number 1 in Length Area 

Looking at number 1 on the Length percentile area and following that to the percentage area, you see that Tim's length has landed him above the 95th percentile mark.

When Tim's length is compared to other babies, Tim's length is the same or more than 95 percent of boys at birth. 95 percent of boys measure less than he does.

~Let's look at that a little closer:

Tim landed closest to the 95% mark and is the same length or longer (*Same or more) than 95% of babies (Tim is taller than 95% or more of babies at his age).

95 percent of babies measure less than Tim (95% of babies are shorter than Tim).

*The term same or more is used so that it fits all numbers. For example, an infant is not at exactly at the 50 percent mark, but at the 54 percent mark, it can be difficult to get to such a precise percent. Getting to the closest percentile is what matters, not hitting the exact number. That infant would be closer to 50 percent than the next percent which is 75 percent.

Ideally, a growth chart should show a trend in an infants growth by showing the baby getting heavier and taller, over time. But I'll show different lengths over time.

Back to Tim:

*At 3 months - Tim Length 25 inches (~65 cm) - See Number 2 in Length Area

Tim's length landed him above the 75th percentile mark and bellow the 90th percentile. I would estimate he was around the 80 percent mark. In the mathematical sentence bellow, you can plug in either 80 or 75 percent. I chose to plug in 75 percent.

When Tim's length is compared to other 3 month olds, Tim's height is the same or more than 75 percent of boys at this age. 75 percent of boys measure less than he does. 

~Let's look at that a little closer:

When Tim's length is compared to other other 3 month old's, Tim's height is the same or more than 75 percent of boys at this age. We know Tim's length landed him between 75 and 80 percent, the term same or more makes sense. Choosing to plug in 75 percent vs. 80 percent does not exclude Tim's actual length. 75 percent of boys measure less than he does.

*At 6 months - Tim Length is 30 inches (~75 cm) - See Number 3 in Length Area

When Tim's height is compared to other 6 month olds, Tim's length is the same or more than 50 percent of boys at this age and 50 percent of boys measure less than he does. 

I definitely suggest keeping your own set of medical records for your child. by making your own chart, or asking if your doctor can supply them. I keep my son's paperwork in the Kaiser Permanente Diaper bag we were given at the hospital. It helps me remember where his paperwork is and I know I wont be using that bag for anything else. Having those handy can help if you move or if you decide that your child's pediatrician is not a good fit. Either way, you are prepared. Asking for your child's medical record is not always easy. Clinics are required to supply their patients medical records, but a patient or guardian often has to wait a couple of business days for their paperwork.


Thank you for reading,

-km

Reading A Percentile Chart (#2)

This is a follow-up post to Part 1 :)

Tim's Percentile Chart

We are referencing Tim's percentile chart (above). Let's zero in on Tim's weight.

I have plugged in 3 points to use as Tim's weight and will explain each one :)

To begin, I went to the line above the word birth.

Don't get confused, we are using pounds (lb), not kilograms, but it is the same method for both. 

The first point is Tim's weight at birth.
I looked for the correct number of pounds ~7.5 pounds. 

Second point is Tim's weight at 3 months (Point 2) ~8 pounds.

Lastly, I found Tim's weight at the age of 6 months (point 3) ~10 pounds. Follow the line to the right, not the left.  

 

*It does happen that numbers fall between percentile marks, try to judge which percent your child is closest to (please see the examples).  

Reading Tim's Weight Chart - Percents
*At birth - Tim weighs: 7.5 pounds (~3.4 kg) - See Number 1 in Weight Area 

Tim's weight landed him near the 50 percent mark.

When Tim's weight is compared to other babies his age,  Tim weighs the same or more than 50 percent of boys at birth and 50 percent of boys weigh less than he does.

~Let's look at that a little closer:

Tim landed closest to the 50% mark and is the same weight or heavier (*same or more) than 50 percent of babies. 50 percent of babies weigh less than Tim (Since he is at the 50 percent mark, any child weighing less than that, weighs less than Tim). 

*The term same or more is used so that it fits all numbers. For example, an infant is not at exactly at the 50 percent mark, but at the 54 percent mark, it can be difficult to get to such a precise percent. Getting to the closest percentile is what matters, not hitting the exact number. That infant would be closer to 50 percent than the next percent which is 75 percent.

*At 3 months - Tim weighs 18 pounds (~8 kg) - See Number 2 in Weight Area

Tim's weight has landed him above the 95th percentile.

When his weight is compared to other 3 month olds, Tim weighs the same or more than 95 percent of boys at this age. He weighs more than 95 percent of boys. 

*At 6 months - Tim weight is 22 pounds (10 kg) - See Number 3 in Weight Area

Tim's weight has landed him above the 95th percentile.

When his weight is compared to other 6 month olds, Tim weighs the same or more than 95 percent of boys at this age. 95 percent of boys weigh less than he does.

As Tim continues to visit his doctor regularly, his doctor will continue to reference his growth chart to see trends in his growth and will note any changes. Ideally, his doctor wants to see the plotted points increase over time. This tool should be used as a way to see your child's growth, not to compare your child to other children. Every child is different. As long as you and your doctor have discussed your child's growth and deem it healthy, don't get too hung up on the numbers. It's just a tool. 

Next up, Length.

Take care,
-km

Reading A Percentile Chart (#1) Birth to 2 years (24 months)

Birth-24 months Percentile Chart

Percentile charts show trends in the growth of an infant.

This leads to a presented standard for healthy child development. 

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), "This standard describes the growth of healthy children living in well supported environments in six countries, including the United States. The standard shows how infants and children should grow..."

This chart you see in blue, Birth to 24 months: Boys Length-for-age and Weight percentiles may be applied to any boy who breastfeeds, formula feeds or on a combination of both.

There is a separate chart that looks very similar to the above, for girls, and interpreting the chart is the same. It also applies to girls who breastfeed, formula feed or that feed on a combination of both.


My Experience with charts

Example of Jaundice Chart

When my son was admitted to the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit), his doctors referenced a Jaundice Percentile Chart. That was my first exposure to a doctors use of charts in order to gauge a child's "normal" or "standard" level of weight.

At our first visit with our son's official pediatrician, he also referenced my son's growth on a chart. He informed us that he was keeping track of my son's growth and a chart that would become a part of his medical record. I did some research online and found the CDC/WHO percentile chart for Birth to 24 Months.

There are also CDC growth charts for older children (scroll down until you see the 2-20 age heading)


How to use/read a growth chart....

Meet Tim L. This is his percentile chart. 

Tim's Percentile Chart

~In Tim's chart you see an area for Length and Weight, each with their own percentile area.

~For each area you will see their corresponding measurements:
pounds or kilograms for weight and
inches and centimeters for length. 

~This particular chart begins at birth and stops at age 24 months (two years old).

   ~In purple I have filled in the missing months. 

Interpreting the chart:

This chart is interpreted or read by using percent and it is where the word percentile comes from.

In the Percentile area for both length and weight you will see the following percentages:
2, 5, 10, 25, 50, 75, 90, 95 and 98 %.

Where Tim lands on the chart, dependent on his age, and what category you are measuring, will show you his percent (either weight or length).

In the next post we'll get into reading the 3 points I plugged or plotted into each percentile area :)

-km

Weight: After Pregnancy Pt. 1

When I delivered my son I was a whopping 181 pounds. At my heaviest weight, at the age of 15, I weighed 175 pounds. After beginning my treck as a vegetarian in 2002, my senior year of high school, I began to see changes and has lost a significant amount of weight. Throughout high school I had began to learn how to eat better. I was not feeling my best and decided that the culprit in my diet was meat. Not meat itself, but the way my mom prepared our food. It was greasy and very delicious! So I began by moderating my portions, to finally giving it up all together. Even after all that, my weight has always been between 145-155. I never worked out. The most I would give any exercise regimen was a week. Never enough time to stick.

When I found out I was pregnant in 2013, I weighed 140 pounds and had just began working out. I felt great! When I delivered my son in March of 2014 I was at 181 pounds. I had gained about 41 pounds.

I was curious to learn more about my weight gain during my pregnancy, I decided to chart my weight by using my doctors visit weigh ins. 

2013

July 17 - 140 pounds (First OBGYN visit)
July 25 - 141 pounds

August 23 - 146 pounds

October 29 - 148 pounds

November 25 - 156 pounds (The holidays got me good)

December 18 - 168 pounds

+28 pounds (Since 7/17)


2014

January 23 - 168 pounds (I found out my son was breech)

February 14 - 176 pounds
February 25 - 177 pounds

March 4 - 181

+13 pounds (Since 12/18)


Total Weight Gain: 41 Pounds

 April 8 - 153 (Last OBGYN visit)

Total weight lost since March 4th, 2014 - 28 pounds

2015 
May 23 - 156 (Had a physical)
My doctor was pleased with my weight loss. I was not. I had begun working out in March, therefore that weight in May was lower than I had expected. I had been feeling heavy for some time. I was not happy with what I saw in the mirror. In preparation for a physical I decided to begin working out. I was not sure about which way to go when choosing an exercise regimen. I decided to go for low impact and chose Winsor Pilates.

From the time I gave birth to the decision to begin working out took over one year. My "American" way of thinking contributed to my lack of focus when loosing weight. I would like to reflect more on that thought in another post.

The 28 pounds I lost after having my son have to do with loss of blood, placenta, an 8 pound 6 oz baby and finally, I believe, having a solid footing in a vegetarian diet. I felt less inclined to listen to my hunger and more towards my reasoning. I was careful about how much I ate. It was not always easy. I had many slip-ups, but overall I felt good when I was weighed on March of 2014 and saw a fair amount of weight loss.

Today, July 4th 2015, I weigh 153 pounds, again. I have been falling off the wagon with exercising, but have kept it in the forefront since March. I manage to sneak in at least one video a week (on a bad week). I wrote this post with another thought in mind, but went into this. I don't want it to appear like I'm obsessing over weight. I think I'm just in a smarter place when it comes to these numbers. I can't run away from something that comes right along with me. I am looking at my weight in a healthier frame of mind. I hope to convey that through future posts.


Just Curious,

km

Somebody To Love - My Favorite

Music...

Music has been a big influence in my life. It inspires me to write, but above all to relax. My mind is a hyper one. I often have a hard time falling asleep because my mind is going over what happened that day, yesterday, four years ago... It's hard for me to unwind. So couple that with being pregnant, it wasn't easy to stop thinking about the future.

I enjoy listening to music, period. I'll give just about anything a listen, but I'm also a loyal fan. Some of the bands I go to when I'm in need some me time...

In no particular order:
Queen
The Doors
Spice Girls
Pink Floyd
The Eagles

All of these bands give me melodies that take me to more serene spaces. One band in particular helped me during my pregnancy ~ Queen!! I often listened to their Greatest Hits Album. I would sit with my bump, listen to the CD and grade papers, write comments on report cards, plan lessons...It has a special meaning to me. My son and I shared these tracks, often hearing them at work, during lunch while my students played outside and ran like crazies!! I was inside relaxing, with Queen.


For the next pregnancy I'd like to make a mix to take with me to delivery...

I just asked my husband to buy me some wireless headphones when that time comes around.

I told him he'll be holding the phone and i'd say, "Change the f-ing song!!!!" When it's time for a little change :D (He just nodded, as he tweeted about the Lakers)

But seriously, I probably wont even be able to keep those thing on. Still, music rocks!
Wishing I would have played something while I was in the hospital.


Thinking clearly(ish),

-km

This musically inclined post is dedicated to da homie, Lorena - xoxo

This the Digitally remastered version of the 1980's release :) See a complete track listing (with links!! Yay!!!) here.