Sunday 20 September 2020

#Pregnancy : 3rd Trimester Experience

Third Trimester: 10 July 2020 - September 2020

The early part of my third trimester, I'm still a bit apprehensive because my belly is not as big as I thought it would be but in a way, I'm thankful because I did not gain any significant weight. 

Case 1 : I went for a prenatal massage. When I was about to pay, the lady at the cashier thought I'm 7 weeks pregnant when I'm actually 7 months pregnant 😅

Case 2 : We were looking for a stroller at a baby shop and the salesgirl asked me how old is my baby. Well, maybe she thought I had a post-partum belly. Hahaha. 

Anyhow, as the doctor said the baby is fine and normal, all is well I guess. After some reading, I found out that tall first-time moms will take a while to 'show' as the baby had more room to manoeuvre before the belly starts to stretch out.  

BUT, going into my 8th month of pregnancy, suddenly my belly grew exponentially. Hahaha

So how's my third trimester? 
  • At night and while I was sleeping, I often had heartburn (Thank God for Gaviscon). 
  • My lower back started to ache more. I guess my slipped disc is finally catching up with me. So my remedy - hot shower, hot pack, Accustop patch (some gynaecologist said it's okay to use it), and maternity belt binder
  • My skin had improved significantly compared to the first trimester. 
  • Was also able to travel to a few places before the baby pops.
  • (Severe) mood swings
  • Pees a lot (especially in the 9th month of pregnancy)
  • During the final weeks, I can feel my ribs hurt (as if someone is pushing it in from the outside- don't know how to describe)
Supplement for the third trimester: Obimin, Obical, Glyprin, Metformin and Neurogain.

At the end of the pregnancy, I've gained a total of 7.7kg.

In the third trimester, it is also required to count the baby's movement. It should reach 10 kicks by 9pm. Oh so exciting! Thank God I had an office job as I tend to not notice the kicks when I'm on the go. Hahaha

Pejam celik, it has been 9 months! Really didn't felt like it. Mostly because I didn't have any major complications and I sailed through pregnancy smoothly. Alhamdulillah. 

Can't wait to meet #LittleRizq!
Read More

Saturday 19 September 2020

#MakanReview : Gerai Ah Kow, Medan Selera Kampung Bharu

This is definitely the best chicken rice I've had in my life. No doubt!

Gerai Ah Kow is a simple stall, located in a food court behind HKL.


They basically only sell 2 things; chicken rice and curry mee.




The rice itself is fluffy, fragrant and delicious. The fried chicken; big, crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. Perfect combo. I can find no fault.. At all!


The curry mee, I felt is at par with Hoi Yin's (Telok Cempedak, Kuantan). But of course, it's the Chinese version. May not be up to us Malay's liking. But for me, it's good enough.


They don't offer these two menus everyday, though. 

Chicken Rice - Monday to Thursday.
Curry Mee - Friday to Saturday.

Definitely, definitely a must try!
Read More

Friday 18 September 2020

#MBAJourney : 4th Semester Result

My #MBAJourney is now complete!!!

Alhamdulillah, Alhamdulillah.  


I managed to score all A's again and that means, I'm graduating with a 4.0 GPA plus, the Excellent Candidate Award!!! 💣 

Never actually thought I could do it when I first set the goal but Alhamdulillah. The past 2 years has been nothing short of an amazing (and interesting) phase of my life. Thank you N, who has been very very supportive and understanding throughout the journey. 

Guess I'm taking a little break from academia at the moment to focus on our baby. Will be back soon, insyaAllah. 
Read More

Tuesday 15 September 2020

Prenatal Checkup : Andorra Women & Children Hospital, Seri Kembangan

This is my hospital of choice and I've been eyeing this place since they first open for business 😂. Alhamdulillah, ada rezeki to get my prenatal care at this hospital. 

My personal reasons for choosing Andorra are as follows;
  • Aurat - The hospital has an all-female medical staff. So you will not need to worry about aurat.
  • Husband is allowed to be in the labour room for both normal and C-section delivery
  • Location - Close proximity to my house (around 20 minutes).
  • 'Affordable' package - This is very subjective but the packages fall under the limit of our corporate maternity coverage.
  • Fairly new hospital
  • Food - All in-ward fine dining food is prepared by Chef Zubir 😍
  • Comfort - They provide personal masseuse, lactation consultant, lady butler and physiotherapists 
  • Glowing review - 99% of the reviews online praises the hospital and its staff.


However, it may be difficult to get an initial appointment. My experience during the MCO, it was so hard for them to pick up the phone. After the 3rd day only someone answered my call and it has been smooth sailing ever since. Fair warning, the parking at the hospital may be a tad limited so you'll have to park at the roadside. 

When you called for an appointment, you'll have the option to choose your gynaecologist and the crowd favourite is Dr Khamsiah. But since she is so popular, it will take a while to meet her during EVERY appointment. I don't want to waste my time so I opted for another doctor, Dr Rusinahayati. Felt like I hit the jackpot. She's so nice and objective. A perfect fit for me. 

The clinic opens at 9.15am (Except for appointment with sonographers; as early as 8.30am) and I often went during the weekend. It can be a bit full but usually, I don't have to wait for too long unless Dr Rusina has to attend to emergency cases. Once registered at the counter, the nurse will bring you up to the first floor. The basic medical check will be carried out; urine test, blood pressure and weight monitoring. Then you just have to wait for your turn to meet the doctor. 


Below is the itemised bill for my antenatal checkup at Andorra. 

1st Visit - 18 April (16th week of pregnancy) : RM332.25
  • First visit consultation - RM180
  • Registration fee - RM20
  • Medical supplies - RM2.24 
  • Urine test - RM15
  • Nursing procedure - RM35
  • Ultrasound - RM80

2nd Visit - 30 May (22nd week of pregnancy) : RM564.60
  • Follow up consultation - RM105 
  • Radiographer procedure - RM35
  • Medical supplies - RM0.68 
  • Urine test - RM15
  • Nursing procedure - RM35
  • Pharmacy (Neurogain, Obical) - RM123.90
  • Detailed Ultrasound + 4D - RM250

3rd Visit - 27 June (26th week of pregnancy) : RM378.80
  • Follow up consultation - RM105 
  • Medical supplies - RM0.68 
  • Urine test - RM15
  • Nursing procedure - RM35
  • Pharmacy (Glyprin, Metformin, Neurogain, Obical) - RM143.10
  • Ultrasound - RM80

4th Visit - 25 July (30th week of pregnancy) : RM275.75
  • Follow up consultation - RM105 
  • Medical supplies - RM0.68 
  • Urine test - RM15
  • Nursing procedure - RM35
  • Pharmacy (Glyprin, Metformin) - RM40.05
  • Ultrasound - RM80
PS - I started to buy Neurogain and Obical online as it was cheaper 😂


5th Visit - 15 August (33rd week of pregnancy) : RM 314.90
  • Follow up consultation - RM105 
  • Medical supplies - RM8.52
  • Urine test - RM15
  • Nursing procedure - RM35
  • Pharmacy - RM71.40
  • Ultrasound - RM80

6th Visit - 21 August (34th week of pregnancy) : RM269.30
  • Follow up consultation - RM105 
  • Medical supplies - RM34.28
  • Urine test - RM15
  • Nursing procedure - RM35
  • Ultrasound - RM80

7th Visit - 5 September (36th week of pregnancy) : RM235.70
  • Follow up consultation - RM105 
  • Medical supplies - RM0.68
  • Urine test - RM15
  • Nursing procedure - RM35
  • Ultrasound - RM80

8th Visit - 15 September (38th week of pregnancy) : RM615.70
  • Follow up consultation - RM105 
  • Medical supplies - RM0.68
  • Urine test - RM15
  • Nursing procedure - RM35
  • Ultrasound - RM80
  • COVID Test - RM380 
In preparation for labour, all patients have to undergo the COVID test (a few months back, even the husband has to be tested in order to be in the labour room). So I did the COVID test at Andorra itself.

In total for prenatal checkups, we've spent RM2,607 at Andorra excluding the COVID Test. 

Initially, the appointment frequency was once a month, but going into the 30th week of pregnancy, it was set to every 2 weeks. Bear in mind though, as you've entered your 35th weeks, the appointment will be made every week and it's difficult to get a date on weekends (as it's already full with patients who set the date weeks prior); so most likely you'll have to set your appointment on weekdays. 

To be eligible for the delivery package, the patients have to go for at least 2 antenatal checkups at Andorra after 28th weeks of pregnancy (ie in the third trimester) and pay a deposit of RM1,000.

So that's my brief experience with them throughout my pregnancy. 
The labour story will be in another post. 

I am very satisfied with their service throughout my prenatal checkup and insyaAllah kalau ada rezeki, I would want to return here for my second pregnancy #eh. Hahaha
Read More

Tuesday 8 September 2020

#MakanReview : Marc Et Farid, Telok Panglima Garang

Though the location is bad (quite far, smacked in the middle of nowhere), the area itself and the interior design of the place is beautiful. It has a charming Parisian vibe to it, from decor to the music. But, they do have very limited indoor and outdoor seatings. So bear that in mind. Best to come here during weekdays I would think. 

That being said, we love their desserts and savoury dishes.

They offered a limited quantity of their desserts and menu tend to differ every day. 


The selection of desserts are on display at their counter


These were what we ordered in-store; lemon tart (3.5/5), pannacotta with fresh fruit (3.5/5), strawberry tart (5/5)!


The strawberry tart was amazing with a hint of pistachio. Love it!!
When we were there, many of its best sellers were sold out. 

We also tapau'd their quiche (5/5) and nasi lemak (5/5).
The nasi lemak is very simple but taste good!!


Will definitely return to try their best sellers!

PS - they're open every Tuesday to Sunday from 12pm to 6pm. 

Update : They are now available on Beep. Placed an order today despite the RM30 delivery fee. LOL. Worth every penny!!!


From left; Paris Brest Hazelnut (4.5/5), Strawberry Tart (4/5) - [it tasted different from the one we had at the store] and Blueberry Tart (3/5).


Caneles. So unassuming but soooooo so good. If there's only 1 thing you could buy from here, I would totally recommend this. Easy 5/5!!


Was not a chocolate dessert kinda person but this totally converts me. Chocolate Praline Tart (5/5).

Urghhh still thinking of these desserts!! 💓
Read More

Sunday 6 September 2020

#MakanReview : Two Sons Bistro, The Starling Mall

The 3 branches of Two Sons Bistro are located in KLCC, the Starling Mall and Publika. We went to Starling's on a Saturday night, having to wait around 20 minutes for our seats. This was our first-time visit to the restaurant and was so clueless on what to order.

So they are well-known for their mussels and clam.


Based on Tripadvisor and Google review, we ordered the Chilli Cream clams (starter size) with mini mantao buns, spicy prawn linguine and berry pavlova.


We asked for the pavlova right away since it's gonna take a while for other food to arrive. The pavlova was a big mistake, guys. It was so bad. The meringue was too sour. The texture for both the meringue and heavy cream was off. I'll rate this 1/5. Just stay away from it. 


The starter size clams (450g) was just nice for 2 persons. N loved the sauce so much. For me, it lacks something, but still okay nonetheless. Would be better if it's a little bit more spicy/creamy. It comes with 4 very small mantao buns. We end up ordering 2 more portions of garlic bread to eat with the clams.

The pasta was very good and the 2 prawns were as big as my palm! It has the wok hei smell on it. Taste good! Highly recommended.

The next time I'm there, will definitely try another type of sauce for the clam and maybe ordered the pasta again. Haha

Here's the menu for your reference.


















Read More

Tuesday 1 September 2020

#Pregnancy : Prenatal Massage at Urban Retreat Spa

I would highly recommend the prenatal massage at Urban Retreat Spa to other pregnant moms out there. It is really very very good! This massage is available at their The Curve and 1Mont Kiara branch. And I've been to both, getting different masseuse every time and I can attest that their service is consistent nonetheless! [I've been there a total of 4 times so far throughout my pregnancy].

Due to COVID-19, they were only able to offer 1-hour massage session (for prenatal massage, usually you have the option of 60 minutes, 90 minutes and 120 minutes massage). And I. Fell. Asleep. Every. Single. Time!

Upon registering, you'll get your feet washed before being ushered to the massage room. For prenatal massage, you'll have to lie on a mattress (with heated pad) and HUGE pregnancy pillow which guaranteed your comfort. Once you've changed your clothes, the pampering session began. I always felt so good after the massage. The masseuse knew all the right spots, with perfect pressure. I know I'll miss this massage once I gave birth. The staffs are also professional, polite and courteous. I love the interior design as well. So calming. Can't wait to be back!


[All pictures below are taken from Tripadvisor]







Read More

Copyright © Travel. Eat. Love Made with ❤ by azhafizah.com