About My Pregnancy

The Grand Finals for the Search for the Cutest Baby in Town

2011-07-22T06:26:00.000-07:00

July 18- July 30 is the last canvassing period for the search for the cutest baby in Town by MetroTownMall- Tarlac. Yes, we have come to the final round to support our favourite baby, the Cutest Baby Chris Jerome Chan.

I would like to express my warmest gratitude to MyMetroTownMall-Tarlac to make this contest possible. Also, thank you to all of my friends in Sanyo Semiconductor Manufacturing Philippines, colleagues in Panasonic, Global foundries, Chipbond Technology Corporation, Fairchild Semicon, On Semicon, and Acer. To all our classmates, batchmates, schoolmates in Bayanihan Institute, Binalonan National High School, and Saint Louis University, cheers! Students of TSU, Holy Spirit and Montessori, I am so glad you have liked my baby in Facebook. To all bloggers, and other organizations of Tarlac, to all Tarlaquenos as a whole, new friends and new buddies, I acknowledge your efforts.

This is also a good opportunity to thank our family, relatives, godparents of our child, friends, and friends of my friends for all the help they have extended for us to reach this far- the finals. And most of all, thank you Lord Jesus Christ for giving us Chris Jerome Chan a healthy, happy, handsome and the Cutest Baby.

This would be the last time to show your support to my baby. There are three ways to vote:

Shop or purchase to Metro Town Mall. All you have to do is present your receipts to the Customer Service and they will give you the corresponding raffle coupon:

1. P500 and up worth of purchase- entitled for a raffle coupon and you may have the chance to win a netbook on the Grand finals. This is called the Shopper’s Vote.

2. P499 and below worth of purchase- entitled for a Public Vote coupon.

3. Facebook votes. Just LIKE our baby’s picture in the 2 albums in MyMetroTownMall-Tarlac fanpage.

a. Cutest Baby First Album

b. Princes and Princesses Album

How to Vote for the Cutest Baby in Town

2011-06-15T07:34:00.000-07:00

There are 3 Ways how to vote for The Search for the Cutest Baby in Town

1. Through facebook votes.

Using your facebook account, search and like for MyMeroTownMall-Tarlac fanpage, look for the search for the cutest baby in town album and like your favorite baby's picture.

Facebook votes ( 20% of your baby's total score)

VOTE Chris Jerome Chan

2. Using your My @[100000823355486:Mymetrotown Mall] receipts:

2.1 Shoppers votes ( 70 % of your baby's total score)

2.1.1 Receipts from any of My Metrotown Mall stores with a minimum purchase of P 500.00 (single receipt) and above.

2.2 Public Votes ( 10 % of your baby's total score)

2.2.1 Receipts from any of My Metrotown Mall stores with a minimum purchase of P 499.00 (single receipt) and below.

Note: 1 receipt = 1 vote

Present your official receipt at the costumer service counter of My Metrotown Mall and we will change your receipt with the corresponding color of coupon for shoppers and public votes.

Cj Joins the Search for Cutest Baby in Town

2011-06-13T07:23:00.000-07:00

Every weekend, we usually go to Tarlac town proper to purchase groceries in EZ Supermarket, Metro Town Mall. As we drive through Marcos Highway, we we’re captivated with the flier “Search for Cutest Baby in Town”. I told to my husband, “Hmmm… we can let our kids join the contest. It’s quite interesting. Maybe, we should find out the mechanics on how to join.”

After buying for our one- week supply, the cashier told me that I have a good-looking son and he can join the contest. So I ask her how to join and told me that I should approach the customer service for more information. Upon reaching the customer service, I hurriedly ask about the contest’s requirements.

Search for Cutest Baby in Town
REQUIREMENTS:
Application form (available at the costumer serice counter of My Metrotown Mall)
Birth certificate(photocopy)
Parental consent
5RPicture(taken at Photoline My Metrotown Mall)
P1500.00 worth of receipt (Single or Accumulated)
Registration is until May 07, 2011 only.
1-3 years old. (male or female)

The following day, that was Sunday, we went back to Metro Town Mall for CJ’s pictorial at Photoline. It was amazing that Cj knows how to pose and to behave like a big boy already. I really like his Robin Padilla posture. We submitted all the requirements that day and we we’re so excited about it!

Here's how to VOTE for Chris Jerome Chan!

Please Vote my Baby

2011-06-12T06:33:00.000-07:00

Good day to all!

My son, Chris Jerome Chan, joined the Cutest Baby Contest by MyMetroTownMall-Tarlac.

In line with this, I would like to seek for your support by VOTING through FACEBOOK.

1. First, you have to like MyMetroTownMall-Tarlac

2. Then you can now click "LIKE" to vote for Chris Jerome Chan

Cervical Cancer: An Introduction

2010-11-22T01:53:00.000-08:00

Like other cancers, cervical cancer has stages. When cervical cancer is detected before it has spread from the cervix to other parts of the body, it has much higher chances of a cure. Here are some factors that would increase the risk of developing cervical changes leading to cervical cancer:

1. A personal history of precancerous changes of the cervix or cervical cancer.

2. Being infected with certain types of the human papillomavirus (HPV) or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

3. Having a previous abnormal Pap test.

4. Starting sexual intercourse at an early age (younger than 18 years old).

5. Having three or more sex partners in a lifetime or a partner who has had multiple sex partners.

6. Having a weakened immune system.

7. Smoking.

8. Use of birth control pills (oral contraceptives) for more than 5 years.

Become Pregnant 6 times Faster than Average

2010-11-20T21:00:00.000-08:00

Factors Affecting Pap Smear Test

2010-11-18T01:49:00.000-08:00

There are factors to be considered when making the pap smear test:
1. Menstrual Blood

2. Dried Out Cells: This is due to not applying the preservative to the slide immediately after the cells of the cervix are spread on it.

3. Douching, Use of vaginal lubricants and medications: This may wash away or coat the cells on the surface of the cervix.

4. Inadequate Cell sample: Your doctor may not remove an adequate sample of the abnormal area of the cervix, or the sample may contain too few cells, which may give a false-negative test result.

Epithelial Cell Abnormalities

2010-11-14T01:45:00.000-08:00

This is one of the statements to indicate if the cells collected were normal or abnormal.

A. Squamous Cell Abnormalities
A.1 Atypical squamous cells (ASC). In this category, there are minor cell changes from unknown causes. It is further divided into two types:
A.1.1 ASC-US: ASC of undetermined significance
A.1.2 ASC-H: ASC that cannot exclude high- grade squamous intraephithelial lesion(HSIL).

A.2 Low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL). In this category, there are cells that show definite minor changes but are unlikely to progress to cancer. It includes the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, mild dysplasia, and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN 1).

A.3 High-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL). In this category, there are cell changes that have a higher likelihood of progressing to cancer. It includes the presence of moderate to severe dysplasia, carcinoma in situ (CIS), CIN 2 and CIN 3, or changes suspicious for invasive cancer.

A.4 Squamous cell invasive cancer.

B. Glandular Cell Abnormalities
B.1 Atypical glandular cells (ACG) include:
B.1.1 Endocervical (from cervical canal) cells.
B.1.2Endometrial cells. These cells are normally found in the uterus. Their presence in the cervix might occur in menstruating women but would be abnormal in postmenopausal women who are not on hormonal replacement therapy.

B.2 Glandular cells.
B.2.1 Atypical glandular cells (neoplastic changes)
B.2.2 Endocervical cells
B.2.3 Glandular cells

B.3 Endocervical adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS)

B.4 Adenocarcinoma
B.4.1 Endocervical
B.4.2 Endometrial
B.4.3 Extrauterine
B.4.4 Other, not specified

Pap Test: How it is Done?

2010-11-10T01:43:00.000-08:00

Here’s a step-by-step procedure to do the Pap test:
1. First is to take off your clothes below your waist and lie down on your back on a table with your feet raised, which is supported b stirrups.

2. Your doctor will insert a speculum, an instrument with curved blades, into your vagina. The speculum will spread the vaginal walls.

3. Your doctor will insert a cotton swab, with a tiny brush and a small wooden spatula, with a larger brush called a cervix brush, or with an extended tip spatula to scrape away several samples of cells from the cervix.

4. Your doctor will smear the collected cells on a slide, preserved, and ten sent to the laboratory for examination.

How to Prepare Pap Smear Test

2010-11-06T01:37:00.000-07:00

Always remember not to use douche, tampons or any vaginal medications for at least 24 hours before doing a Pap test. Never make sexual intercourse too.

It is also recommended to do the test when you are not having your monthly period because the blood cells may interfere the Pap smear result. And for your comfort and so with your doctor, empty your bladder just before the test.

Why Pap Smear or Pap Test is Done?

2010-11-02T01:34:00.000-07:00

The main reason why a pap test or pap smear is done is to screen for cancerous and precancerous cells of the cervix.

There is actually a recommendation to do the test from the onset of sexual intercourse to age 65. Pap test should be done every 1 to 3 years for women without risk factors for cervical cancer. For women who have had hysterectomy because of precancerous or cancerous changes in the cervix, a continuous regular pap smear must be observed. But for women who have had hysterectomy with the cervix removed for non-cancerous or benign reasons do not need to continue Pap test. While women who have had weakened immune system may need to test more often than once a year.

Pap Smear Test

2010-10-30T01:31:00.000-07:00

What is Pap smear or Pap test? This test is used to screen women for cervical cancer. The test is reliable for detecting early abnormal cell changes that would cause cancer of the cervix. This test is recommended for women between the ages of 18 to 65.
How it is done? It is done in your doctor’s clinic by acquiring a small sample of cells from the surface of the cervix. Your doctor will then spread the sample on a slide and sent to a lab for examination under a microscope.

Combination of Fertility Problems

2010-10-26T01:25:00.000-07:00

When both the man and the woman have fertility problems or when one partner has multiple fertility problems, then the couple is said to have “combination” fertility problems.

You can have possible symptoms but it varies depending on causes. Treatments vary depending on causes too. Likewise, success rate varies depending on causes.

Unexplained Fertility Problems

2010-10-22T01:24:00.000-07:00

There are times that your doctor cannot be sure or cannot pinpoint the cause of your trouble to have a baby. So he may diagnose you with an “unexplained fertility problem”. Although there are some health experts think that environmental toxins may be the contributing factors, but have confirmed no direct links between fertility and these possible problems.

The possible solution to conceive is to take fertility drugs and must undergo artificial insemination or assisted reproductive technologies (ART) procedures such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). Take note that there are about 7 to 17 percent of couples with unexplained fertility problems conceive with fertility drugs and artificial insemination. About 20 percent conceive with in vitro fertilization.

Sperm Allergy

2010-10-18T01:20:00.000-07:00

Did you know that you can actually develop antibodies that will kill your own sperm? This can be experienced most commonly after a vasectomy, testicular torsion, infection, or trauma.

Do not worry for this is a solution with your sperm allergy! The possible solution is artificial insemination or assisted reproductive technologies (ART). About 20 to 40 percent of men impregnate their partner with this treatment. Immunosuppressive drugs such as cortisone and prednisone are sometimes used, but many doctors don't recommend them. Just talk to your doctor and get the best advice.

Irregular Sperm

2010-10-14T01:17:00.000-07:00

It was found out that there is a very low probability that you will fertilize your partner’s egg on its own if you have a little to no sperm, poor sperm motility, or irregular shaped sperms.

This male infertility problem can be detected through semen analysis. There is no symptom if you have this kind of condition and there are possible solutions to have children. Fertility drugs, artificial insemination with donor sperm or with your own if your count, shape, and motility are not too abnormal or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) are some of these solutions.

Varicocele: Male Infertility Problem

2010-10-08T01:12:00.000-07:00

Varicocele is defined as the dilatation of the veins in the scrotum. It is like the varicose veins, however the vein is enlarged which increases the temperature in the testes to the point of inhibiting sperm production. There is also no possible symptom but the problem can be detected through semen analysis and a physical exam. Surgery to repair the varicocele is the possible solution to this male infertility problem. And there was a study that shows about 30 to 35 percent of men impregnate their partner within a year of surgery

Blocked Tubes: Male Infertility Problem

2010-10-04T01:07:00.000-07:00

Blocked tubes means that your vas deferens or epididymis tubes are blocked or damaged. If you have this kind of condition, then you have a very low probability of having a child because this prevents your sperm from getting to your partner’s egg.

There is no possible symptom if you have blocked tubes. The possible solution is surgery in order to repair an obstruction or obtain a collection of sperm. An in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is recommended to be done after the surgery is successfully performed. Take note that there are about 50 to 80 percent of men have sperm in their semen after surgery, but less than half impregnate their partner within a year. About 25 to 40 percent of couples conceive with IVF or ICSI.

Male Infertility

2010-09-30T01:04:00.000-07:00

There are couples out there who have problem of not having children due to male fertility issues. Indeed, there was a study in the US that there are about 35 to 40 percent of cases can be attributed to problems in the man, 50 percent to problems in the woman, and the rest to unexplained causes and multiple factors involving both partners.

It is then recommended that you must see your doctor if you have had unprotected sex for more than a year, even for six months if you are already 35 years old. I will briefly discuss about male infertility issues on future posts. Some of these male infertility problems or issues include the following:

1. Blocked tubes
2. Varicocele
3. Irregular sperm
4. Sperm allergy
5. Unexplained fertility problems
6. Combination fertility problems

Thanks to photobucket.com for the image...

What Affects the Semen Analysis?

2010-09-26T23:01:00.000-07:00

There are some factors which may intervene the test or the accuracy of the test.

1. Caffeine, alcohol, cocaine, marijuana and smoking tobacco.

2. Medications, such as cimetidine (Tagamet), male and female hormones (testosterone, estrogen), sulfasalazine, nitrofurantoin, and some chemotherapy medications.

3. Herbal medications, such as St. John's wort and high doses of echinacea.

4. Not ejaculating for about 1-2 weeks, as this affect the activeness of the semen and the semen volume.

5. Exposure to radiation, some chemicals such as certain pesticides or spermicides, and prolonged heat exposure.

Semen Analysis: How It Feels?

2010-09-21T22:49:00.000-07:00

You might want to know how it feels to do the semen analysis! Well it does not cause any discomfort to produce a semen sample, I guess. But I think, some may feel embarrassed about the method used to collect the semen sample. You can always talk to your doctor some methods to collect semen samples, specially those people in which masturbation is against religious beliefs.

Semen Analysis: How It is Done?

2010-09-16T22:18:00.000-07:00

How semen analysis is done? It is very simple! Just produce a semen sample and ejaculate it into a clean sample cup. Well, you can do this in a private room or in a bathroom at the doctor’s clinic.

You may collect your semen sample at home during sexual intercourse, if you live close to the doctor’s clinic. Or you can collect during sex by using a condom. But be sure to wash the condom thoroughly before using it to remove powder or lubricant on it that might kill the sperm. However if you live far from the doctor’s clinic, you may collect your semen sample by masturbation and directly ejaculate into a clean sample cup.

Remember that the sample must be received at the laboratory within 1 hour. Keep the sample away from direct sunlight and never keep it cold or hot. Never refrigerate the semen sample.

Semen Analysis: How to Prepare?

2010-09-12T22:15:00.000-07:00

How semen analysis is prepared? It is suggested that there should be no sexual activity for 2- 5 days before you do the test in order to ensure that the sperm count will be at its highest. And this is for the reliability of the test. On the other hand, you do not have to avoid sexual activity for more than 1 to 2 weeks before doing the test because this could result in less active sperm.

Aside from that, doctors also suggest you must avoid drinking alcohol for a day before the test.

Semen Analysis

2010-09-09T22:13:00.000-07:00

Seminalysis or semen analysis is performed to measure the amount of sperm and check the number and quality of the sperm.

This test aims to determine whether a man has an infertility problem. If there is a problem with the semen or sperm, then there is a higher probability couples would have a difficulty to have children.

Test that maybe done during a semen analysis include volume, which measures how much semen is present in one ejaculation; liquefaction time, which measures the time it takes the semen to liquefy; sperm count, which pertains to the number of sperm present in one ejaculation; sperm morphology, which measure the sperm percentage that have normal shape; sperm motility, which measures the sperm percentage that can move forward normally; pH, which measures the acidity or alkalinity of the semen; white blood cell count, which pertains to the number of white blood cells present in one semen; and fructose level, which measures the amount of sugar in the semen.

Infertility Treatment

2010-09-06T06:02:00.000-07:00

Infertility treatment options have five categories: hormonal therapy, surgery, artificial insemination, assisted reproductive technologies or ART, and micromanipulation techniques.

a. Hormonal Therapy
If your body seems not producing enough hormones, or fail to release a hormone at the right time, then hormonal therapy is the best or you. Hormonal therapies will replace or enhance hormones and restore your ability to conceive.

b.Surgery
Sometimes anatomical problems in either men or women can be a cause of infertility. And Surgery can correct all and the most severe problems.

c.Artificial Insemination (AI)
Artificial Insemination means placing of sperm directly into the woman’s reproductive tract. AI is performed when the man’s sperm volume or concentration is low, or when the woman has cervical mucus problem.

d. Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)
Like an In Vitro Fertilization, ART is a sophisticated procedure that bypasses the body's infertility problem to unite a sperm and egg. ART is used by about 5% of couples seeking treatment.

e. Micromanipulation Techniques
This technique is often done as art of ART in order to increase the chance of conception. The procedure is done by injecting sperm directly into the egg and then transferring the embryo to the uterus. This is usually done when a man has a low sperm count, or sperm with low motility.