SECOND TRIMESTER. Pre-natal Needs: Tests and Costs, Vitamins and Supplements.

Week 13 marks the start of the Second Trimester of Pregnancy.We are halfway there! Baby isn’t just a little bump in your tummy anymore. You can now interact and play with your baby! The best part of pregnancy is finally here- no more morning sickness and you’re feeling better than ever! You are now enjoying the perks of pregnancy: Glowing skin, full and thick hair, and who doesn’t love that extra pampering and service we get from loved ones and even complete strangers!

 Since your baby and tummy are growing bigger everyday, it’s about time youstart wearing comfortable and loose clothing. A quick money-saving tip:  Save up on maternity clothing by “adjusting” your old jeans or pants using a belly belt to accommodate your growing tummy. To help moms like me save up on maternity clothing expenses, we provide Belly Belts for half the price in malls and online shops.

Find out more about belly belts at:  happymommyadventures.wordpress.com/2012/06/28/money-saving-tip-affordable-belly-belts/

For my Pre-Natal needs, here are the list of tests and supplements and the corresponding costs/fees I was given during my Second Trimester:

Tests and Procedures.

• Flu Vaccine:  St. Luke’s Medical Center, Quezon City. Cost:P 950
• CAS (Congenital Anomaly Scan): San Juan Ultrasound Clinic, N. Domingo Street, San Juan. Cost: P1,500

Read more information on these procedures/tests at: happymommyadventures.wordpress.com/2012/06/26/second-trimester-16-weeks-goodbye-morning-sickness-babys-development-flu-vaccine-and-congenital-anomaly-scan/

Supplements.

• Molvite OB:  Contains Iron, B Vitamins, Vitamins A C D, Calcium Lactate.

Cost: P232.50 for 30 caplets at Mercury Drugstore. (Online orders are now accepted. Visit www.mercurydrug.com/content-index.html

• Hemarate FA Tablet- Contains Iron + Folic acid + B6 + B12.  Iron Supplement to prevent anemia. According to Unilab’s Website, Hemarate FA is specially formulated to meet the highly increased demands of pregnant women for iron, folic acid, vitamins B6 and B12 – nutrients necessary for healthy blood to prevent anemia and to prevent neural tube defects (NTDs). Studies show that anemia is highly prevalent during pregnancy. (Read more at: www.unilab.com.ph/consumers/products/hemarate-fa-tablet/)

Cost: P457.50 for 30 tablets at Mercury Drugstore.

• Omegabloc : Omega3 Fish Oil.  Contains DHA and EPA for baby’s brain and nerve tissue development. It also can also help reduce high blood pressure (which is one of the causes of pre-eclampsia, a form of hypertension in pregnant women), prevent pre-mature labor, and low birth weight.

Cost: P352.50 for 30 Softgels at Mercury Drugstore.

Additional Supplements I take:

• Vitamin C
• Lactasoy Soymilk with Black Sesame. If you’ll be taking soymilk, check the label to see if it contains Calcium, to get the full benefit of drinking milk.
• Maternity Milk: Enfamama A+/Anmum
• Calcium Tablets 1000mg

As always, pregnant women have different needs so it’s important to always check with your doctor before taking any supplements listed above. Remember, this is only a guide on pre-natal supplements and costs, and must not be used as substitute for professional care.

I would love to hear about your concerns and experiences during your second trimester of pregnancy! Feel free to share your stories and ask me anything. Click on “Leave a Comment” on the comments section below.

Have a Happy Mommy Day!

❤