That half-marathon while 5 weeks pregnant

I once did a half-marathon while 5 weeks pregnant. That may be my second most memorable pregnancy experience. The first, of course, was the birth of Umi which I would like to think was akin to completing a full marathon. 

I was one of the 288 21-km runners of the Corregidor International Half Marathon (CIHM) on 10 December 2011. And no one knew, at least those in the race—even my running companions, that I was already 5 weeks pregnant. I finished 15th from the last, with a time of 3 hours 34 minutes and 23 seconds.

What follows is my recollection of how I found myself running towards the finish line one remarkable day.

Ultrasound at 4 weeks

9 days before CIHM. I learned about my pregnancy a week before CIHM 2011. My first ultrasound indicated that I was 4 weeks pregnant. The doctor immediately prescribed Duphaston for the developing fetus to hold on and advised me to stop any strenuous activity until the second trimester. The latter came as a shock to me as I was then at the height of my running and yoga activities. I just resumed yoga in April and running in July after recovering from a surgical operation due to endometriosis in February. In November, I completed my first half-marathon with Run United and was very excited to try a more hilly terrain for my second half-marathon with CIHM. So there I was, reluctant to follow my doctor’s advice.

The running superwomen. I searched for information on running and pregnancy in the internet. And there I learned about the likes of Amber Mills, who completed a full marathon a few hours before she gave birth. Of course, there are those running divas Paula Radcliffe and Kara Goucher who trained for their races while pregnant.  Definitely, marathoner pregnant women exist and have given birth to healthy babies. Yet, we also know that these pregnant women did not reach the finish line with an overnight’s work. They have been running way before they became pregnant; thus, running while pregnant is no longer new to their bodies. They also admit to have decreased the intensity of their runs—distance- or speed-wise—during their pregnancy. But they continued running, nonetheless.

If others can, why can’t I? So I thought to myself, “if others can, why can’t I?” But it wasn’t really that easy a decision. Especially that the doctor thought I had a sensitive first trimester. However, apart from the mild cramping that I occasionally experienced that time, which could be due to the stretching of the uterus to adjust to the growing fetus, I felt fine. Also, I was still very eager to exercise and my body seemed to be cooperating. On the following week that I learned about my pregnancy, I still attended Vinyasa yoga until my instructor advised me to put my yoga practices on hold until the end of my first trimester. I discussed with R my plan of joining CIHM. R and I both agreed that my body had been accustomed to running—having progressed from 10 kilometers in July to 21 kilometers in November (and even running way back) —and we believed that it would do no harm to Umi (the name of our growing baby) if I run about 10 kilometers in CIHM at a slow pace. I just had to be more aware of my body as I run; never attempt to go beyond my limit—a level certainly lower than what I used to know especially with a developing Umi within me. And there, I had the green light to join CIHM.

CIHM day. I almost missed the ferry to Corregidor on the day of the race. I noticed that my body had become more demanding of sleep—requiring me to sleep by 10 pm and for at least 8 hours through the night. Having slept at past 12 midnight because of a Christmas party at work, I did not wake up in time for the ferry’s scheduled departure to Corregidor. Luckily, I was able to catch the departing ferry that was 30 minutes delayed.

The sun was up when we arrived at Corregidor Island. I picked up my race kit which I failed to pick up in Manila and found my 2 running companions. We agreed to run at more or less the same pace.

Shortly after the gun was fired, I was surprised to find myself already panting after about 100 meters. Fatigue was kicking in. Was it the lack of sleep the night before? But I also did not get enough sleep the last time I ran 21 kms in mid-November. I believed it must be because of my pregnancy. Earlier that week, my colleagues and I were practicing for our Christmas party dance presentation and I was surprised at how easily I would get exhausted. However, I did not realize that the exhaustion would occur that soon in my running. Thus, I allowed myself to be left behind by my running buddies and ran at a really, really slow pace.

I kept running, or I might as well say I kept on jogging, as I tried to be cautious of what was going on in my tummy. I imagined that the fetus cannot be stirred too vigorously in my tummy so I had to run really slowly. I would say that the early fatigue that caused me to run slowly early on complemented my already growing motherly protective instinct.

I kept on jogging continuously until the 10th kilometre when I decided to start my walk-jog intervals to take time to rest. I relished the opportunity to be able to join this event as it gave me the chance to explore Corregidor on foot. I just wished R was with me to enjoy those moments.

A quick pose in the middle of the 21-km stretch

I also considered ending my actual race at this point. However, I thought it was embarrassing to walk back, against the flow of runners. Besides, I deemed my body was still willing to complete another kilometre, and then another. Moreover, I got challenged with the hilly terrain of the island. The running trail was something that I could not easily find in Manila. Actually, more than the challenge, it was nostalgia that hit me. The hilly terrain was something similar to my two jogging paths in Singapore. And having spent about a year mastering that route, I believed I was capable of conquering this one as well.      

Running towards the finish line

It was a long run and no matter how interesting and beautiful the scenery could get, boredom was likely to set in. I realized this during my previous half-marathon at the Mall of Asia–Roxas Boulevard route where I got fed up with all the music I had saved in my mp3 player. At CIHM, I decided that after listening to some music, I would pray the rosary. Throughout the whole 21-km stretch, I was able to finish all the 4 mysteries of the holy rosary. And If I had only memorized the litany, I would still have enough time to recite them, too. It was actually a beautiful time spent praying.

At probably the 20th kilometre, I went to the loo and checked myself. There was no bleeding; thanked God that Umi and I were fine. I then moved towards the finish line. The last kilometre was the hardest. As I was on a hilly portion, I could already see the finish line below and yet I still had a kilometre to go. I kept running until the finish line got nearer and nearer that finally, finally, I was there. Finally.  

With my running buddies, Arthur and Ivy

My running buddies—who had finished way ahead of me—and I then celebrated our little victory with some photos at the finish line, as we were all excited to share our own CIHM experiences. After all, who would not be so eager to talk after 2-4 hours of solitary running and quietude?     

An inspiration. The CIHM committee awarded the top 10 runners in the male and female categories. Spectators that we were during the awarding ceremony, my running buddies and I were amazed and inspired by the winners. I personally knew one of the top male runners for he was my housemate in college. Right there, I was again reminded of the power of one’s dreams. Back in college, he shared his desire to join the mountaineering organization in our university. A year later, he finally qualified as a member after passing the stringent physical tests of the organization. Later on, he ventured into doing marathons and then ultramarathons. Back in college, I would not have an idea that we would reach this moment—he, being a half-marathon awardee and I, a spectator.

I also recognized a woman from my office who was awarded as one of the top 10 female runners for the 10k category. She seemed to be in her 40s, married, and has children. That was when I told myself to commit to a physically active lifestyle even if I am already a mother. And my decision to join CIHM that day was, hopefully, only the beginning of more physical activities with Umi, with R, and even with our future children.

The day after. The following day, when the euphoria of my half-marathon had partially subsided, paranoia set in. Even if I did not see any bleeding, I believed I still have to get myself checked. So I saw my ob-gyne and was examined internally through an ultrasound. He found out that I had subchrionic haemorrhage and was advised to go on bedrest for about 2 weeks (I didn't and continued to report to work) and prescribed some medicines. It took me exactly two weeks to be back to the normal process of pregnancy.

However, one more week after recovering from the haemorrhage, I started to have mumps. I suspected I got the virus from the large concentration of people in the marathon as the mumps virus have an incubation period of 16-18 days. Or I could have gotten the virus in the mall or wherever. Nonetheless, I realized the concentration of people in a fun run is another risk that a pregnant runner (or just about anyone) has to face. That said, a pregnant woman has to be aware of the consequences whenever she exposes herself to a large crowd.

The doctor could not tell the effect of mumps on the developing fetus. He just assured me that measles have a more adverse effect on the fetus than mumps do. R and I, and many more significant others, prayed for Umi’s health.

Umi at 7 months

Back to the present. It is already 7 months since I gave birth to Umi. And we are deeply grateful for Umi’s excellent health and happy character. I have R to thank for being supportive and understanding of my needs, my colleagues at work who never fail to make me laugh during crunch times, my loved ones who constantly prayed for me and Umi, and above all, His constant graces.

I sometimes ask myself if I would still do those activities that I did (there were other risky ones) in my succeeding pregnancies, given the consequences it may have caused the unborn child. My answer is, it would depend on my physical and emotional condition then. If I would still be a physically active woman—which I intend to be—and there are no serious risks to the baby and myself, I would still do them. But no one can really tell. On another note, I may have to attribute my youth for having done all those adventures and I may no longer be so eager to go on those same adventures in the future. Well, I hope not to lose the youth in me as I age.

The “holistic” lifestyle. On a side note, I believe my pre-pregnancy and pre-natal activities have helped me deliver smoothly. I was lucky to have a short labor of 5 hours. People say that giving birth the natural way—without pain relievers—involves a great deal of energy. That’s why mothers have to prepare for the big day emotionally, physically, and spiritually. I did try to live a “holistic” lifestyle during my pregnancy—doing occasional yoga exercises and spending quality times with myself, Umi, and R, to fill the emotional part; walking as much as I can (after that half-marathon at CIHM), eating healthy food (although I did go overboard on the eating part), and swimming, to fill the physical aspect; and praying, while making a point to hear weekday masses apart from Sunday masses, to strengthen one’s spirituality. I believe my yoga exercises, that firm mindset to deliver naturally, R’s labor coaching, and the prayers, helped me endure those mind-blowing labor pains. Again, I was lucky to go through that difficult process relatively shorter.

I would like to think my holistic lifestyle did pay off. And I haven’t mentioned yet the benefits such lifestyle has brought to my baby. Haha! I should stop here before I start sharing how proud I am of Umi, which R and I now know is a natural feeling parents have toward their children! =)

Sharing the photos I took en route to the finish line. I told you I took this opportunity as a walking tour, too.

The guy I met at the ferry - we shared the
same experience of almost having
to run or swim after a departing ferry

One of the routes 

 

The killer part - most runners
I saw had to "climb" this part

Finally

The due date - 8 August 2012

R and I finally saw Umi on 8 August at 1:36 in the morning. She weighed 2.945 kilograms, had a height of 48 centimeters, and an APGAR score of 9.9. We were very pleased to see our little girl – that we actually contributed to the creation of such a lovely doll, it was unbelievable! And amazing.

But what I’d like to share are the hours towards Umi’s birth. I would always recall those four arduous hours of labor as a testament to a prayer-filled teamwork between R and me. If we made it through Umi’s delivery naturally, that is without anaesthesia or through normal spontaneous delivery, it would definitely be because of God’s grace. 

8:00 am - 12:00 noon, 7 August. It was a rainy Tuesday. There was a low pressure area throughout Luzon and several areas of Metro Manila were already flooded. I was scheduled for check-up that day after my ob-gyne, Dr. Marietta Sapaula, prescribed primrose capsules on Saturday to thin out my cervix. However, the doctor informed me through a text message that she would not be reporting to her clinic because of the rains and if I was already experiencing continuous and regular contractions (the type that is 1 minute long on 4-minute intervals), I should report immediately to the hospital’s emergency room. By lunch time, all I felt were mild menstrual cramps. However, I wanted to know the status of my eventual delivery so R and I decided to go to the hospital, all set with the possibility of a delivery by having our labor bags, birth plan, and cameras in tow.

The question was which hospital to go. Our place was very near Medical City. However, our doctor was based at St. Luke’s Medical Center along E. Rodriguez Ave. in Quezon City. Officemates and friends earlier informed me that some parts of the road towards St. Luke’s had already been flooded. So R and I agreed to try Medical City first. In the cab to Medical City, I asked the driver if he could drive us to St. Luke’s to which he said yes because the flooded part was only after the hospital. We did make it to St. Luke’s hospital after 20 minutes without any traffic jam.

2:30 pm, 7 August. It was 2:30 in the afternoon when I had an internal examination by the hospital’s resident. My cervix was already 1 cm dilated. Hooray to the start of (early) labor! But the pain was still very manageable and the irregular contractions were still akin to very mild menstrual cramps that no pain reliever was needed. (I used to experience severe menstrual cramps that I would always have a pain reliever in my bag.) Since it was still a long way towards the active phase of labor (which starts at around 5 cm), the doctor advised me to walk around first and come back at 7 pm.

R and I didn’t plan to go back to our place as it was already raining heavily. Instead, we decided to let the hours pass at the hospital’s cafeteria while I walked around the hospital to hasten the dilation of my cervix, and thus, the progress of my labor. 

7:00 pm, 7 August. At 7 in the evening, an internal examination indicated that my cervix was already 5 cm dilated although I did not feel changes in the intensity of the cramps (that were actually contractions already). Some nurses congratulated me as I would already be admitted and expect to deliver, with much hope, real soon.

That was when I started to get nervous. My heart started to beat faster. R and I decided to pray together. We knew then that we were headed towards those challenging hours. We learned about the process of childbirth after attending Chiqui Brosas' chilbirth classes and reading books and articles online. And we knew that those difficult hours of active labor (and that most intense transition phase) could just be a few hours away, if we were lucky (because it could take much longer in many cases). But they remain grueling, painful, scary hours to our minds.

So we prayed. And I prayed that my delivery be smooth and quick. And that I will be able to overcome the pain of childbirth. I also knew then that some people were praying for us and the thought gave me the courage to face what was ahead of R and me at that time.

8:00 pm, 7 August. Already admitted to the hospital, R and I initially stayed at the high-risk pregnancy unit (HRPU) while I was on labor. The menstrual-cramp-like pain (which I think occurred in 10-minute intervals) was still very manageable that I could still walk around the area. That was exactly what I did while R processed my hospital admission papers.

10:00 pm, 7 August. By this time, I could already feel the pain intensify. And the intervals of the contraction became shorter (like around 5 minutes - I earlier downloaded this mobile phone app to time my contractions but I wasn't able to use it at this point anymore). There were more frequent urges to pee. I kept on walking around until the pain became more frequent and could no longer be relieved by walking. I decided to lean my forehead against the wall while R would massage my lower back to ease the pain of contraction. Again, it was still quite manageable that I could still talk to R and analyze our labor status in between contractions--we thought we were already in the transition phase until I would realized later that there was even a more painful stage. It relieved me that the contractions occurred in intervals. I could anticipate when the pain would start to build up and dissipate. An internal examination indicated that I was 6 cm dilated.

11:00 pm, 7 August - almost 1:00 am, 8 August. Eventually, the intervals became shorter that I got tired of standing and leaning my hand against the wall. The contractions could be a minute long, occurring every 2 minutes. I laid down on the bed on one side while my legs were curled up slightly close to my chest. R continued to massage my lower back. The pain was no longer manageable. Sweat was building up on my forehead. I thought of epidural then, but it would already be quite late to have – it would only take effect 5 minutes later. So I tried to manage the pain the best way I could. I started to have the urge to scream. And scream I did, as I writhed in pain! Shortly after, I realized that the shouting didn’t help and I recalled the type of breathing exercises reserved for this stage of labor (I realized then that I was already in the transition phase--the most intense part--of labor). The breathing sounded like ha-ha-hu. And my ha-ha-hus became louder and stronger with each contraction. But the breathing should come from the diaphragm (deep breaths). However, frequent breathing from the diaphragm was tiring and I would often fail by shallowly breathing from my chest. I knew it was wrong as I would feel my chest hurt. With such feeling, it was relieving to have R massage my upper back repeatedly in a single, downward direction.

Words of encouragement from R, the nurses and resident doctors and eventually, from our ob-gyne, Dr. Sapaula, became music to my ears. The occasional ice chips also prevented my mouth from drying up and somehow quenched my thirst. There was already an urge to push which felt like I was about to poop. But I had to resist the urge to push (before 10 cm) as it would only make my cervix swell. By this time too, I have well-appreciated the presence of my labor coach in R - from his reminders to breathe deeply whenever I falter to the lower-back rubs when I would reach the peak of every contraction.

1:00 am, 8 August. My water bag broke at 10 cm. Shortly after, the series of madly painful contractions stopped. It felt like there was a long silence within me. I also took this time to really rest. And then... another kind of pain started to build up. I was entering the actual pushing stage (of labor) where there was a very strong urge to push that I just had to ride with it. Again, the urge to push came in intervals so there was time to rest. But I did not know how to push - I initially thought it was like pushing your pee when you urinate - until I realized it was actually like pushing your poop out when you are constipated. By this time, I was transferred to the delivery room.

1:00 am - 1:36 am, 8 August. It was very encouraging to hear from Dr. Sapaula that she could already see our baby’s hair from my opening. I knew then that Umi was coming out real soon. When she informed me that she was about to do an episiotomy, I did not feel any pain at all - just as described to us by Chiqui, our childbirth teacher. Umi finally came out on my fifth push. She was immediately placed on my chest. Umi stared at me. She then latched on my left breast. R, on the other hand, cut Umi’s umbilical cord. Umi and I took the time to know each other while I was being stitched. We then celebrated by taking pictures of our newest family member with the birthing team. 

Umi quite shy at first to face me

The birthing team (with Dr. Sapaula carrying Umi)
all relieved and happy after the delivery

2:30 am, 8 August. When R, Umi and I were back at the labor room (HRPU), R and I celebrated with orange juice and a pandesal sandwich – the only food R could get from the nearest convenient store at around 2:30 in the morning – while recalling in disbelief what we just went through. And that, yes, finally, we can already actually see and hold Umi who was at that time, peacefully asleep.

It was the most awaited beer in 10 months!

Finally, I had my first San Mig Light after 10 months of fasting. The pregnancy book I was reading said that it was fine to drink small amounts of alcohol even when breastfeeding. We feasted at Uncle Cheffy's two days before my mom returned to Bukidnon.

And my maternity leave starts now…

A recollection of the start of my maternity leave on 6 August 2012, 12:30 pm

It was a rainy Monday afternoon when I started my maternity leave. To celebrate it, I invited Mama and R to have lunch with me at the office, where R finally tried the much-celebrated MOD – meal of the day! At Php55.00, you already have 2 cups of rice, a vegetable dish, a choice of the four main dishes, a bowl of soup, and a dessert. And it’s even served by Barrio Fiesta, famous for its kare-kare! Now, who would not agree that is a very good deal? No wonder it's my no-brainer lunch at the office.

Of course, R was very happy with his chosen meal. Mama and I, on the other hand, opted to order from Café Mediterranean, which just recently reopened at the office cafeteria. Mama had roasted chicken with buttered rice and I had the falafel meal with lentil soup. And of course, since it’s Café Med, the tabouleh was not spared. Umi shouldn’t be a stranger to Greek food any longer. =)

After lunch, we dropped by the newly opened deli where we had coffee and some pastries, including the famous crinkles. On our way home, we checked the items sold at the office shop. R checked some new books that are for free at the shelf. He would usually get some reading materials from the shelf for his toilet reading. It was there that I noticed a nice coffee table book displayed on the shelf designated for stuff that can be taken freely. I asked R to get a copy to which he declined because it had a price tag – Php1,000.00. Unconvinced, I asked the person at the cashier if the book was actually sold at the said price, to which he said, “It’s free! You want more?”

R was ecstatic to hear this that he ended up with four copies in his arms! He planned to give them to colleagues as presents. We also planned to give a copy to our obstetrician after I give birth. This gesture would actually pay off as our lovely doctor really liked the book she even gave us a discount for her professional fee!

See how happy he is to grab copies of the book???

I also shared the news to an officemate. And, indeed, I didn’t fail in making two guys happy with a freebie!

Li'l bun Umi is still cooking up BUT almost there!!!

I am on my 39th week now. Still working. Hopefully I can finish this week - graduate from the 2-week training I have been going through and finally turn in that WB paper.

I'm sharing some photos that R and I had with our fantastic photographer. Really happy to see these photos!

Mom, Me, and R all excited to see Umi!

Hi, Father Tom!

This post is especially for you, Father Tom. I would like to update you on my life here in Manila. I thought this is a more convenient way of presenting photos to you, rather than attaching photos through e-mail.

With due date fast approaching and my mom joining us soon in Manila for my delivery, Rene and I tried to make some quality time together last Sunday, 8 July. I am already on my 36th week! And fast gaining weight at that! We enjoyed our tabouleh at Cafe Med, Powerplant Mall.

Rene and me at Cafe Mediterranean after a hearty meal

A week earlier, I asked Rene to take photos of me to send to another pregnant friend in Hong Kong. 

At 35 weeks

And Rene's attempt at photography

Last 16 June, a high school friend got married and I was one of her bridesmaids. 

L-R: Me, Samae, Ness, Marale, and Mai

(Samae, Marale, and Mai are my closest friends in high school)

Again, Rene and me at Samae's wedding

I celebrated my 29th birthday last 10 June and I had dinner with some friends at a Filipino restaurant.

Dinner with friends and brother

My sister and her son, Kavi, also visited me from Cagayan de Oro on the first week of June. I really wanted my nephew to go around Manila - visit the zoo and ocean park, take the train, ride on a plane, etc. - before he starts pre-school. Kavi was amazed at the fountain at the entrance of my office that I just had to take a photo of him and my sister!

Maricel and Kavi

On my 29th week of pregnancy, I had a 4D ultrasound of Umi. Have I mentioned that we call her Umi, short for Megumi which means blessing in Nihonggo. We might name her Paz Megumi Macahig.

Umi at 29 weeks.

Rene and I also joined a childbirth class in May.

Doing the exercises in class

The class pic

These are all for now, Father. We're nearing the expected date of delivery, which is on 9 August. We're quite nervous. I am a bit scared. At the same time, I am excited to see Umi. We're praying for a natural delivery - it'll be better for Umi and less costly for us. 

I'll await your email. Hope you're doing well. I miss you. When I get to visit Singapore, I have a resto where we can dine in mind. =)

How this childbearing experience has changed me...

Nine changes this childbearing experience has brought me..

1. I never thought that I could survive the day without coffee. And actually replace coffee with 2 glasses of milk a day.

2. I have surprisingly become kinder and more patient. I didn't know what hit me but I have become less demanding and tolerant when I hit the second month of pregnancy.

3. Pregnancy has calmed me down. I am surprised that I am able to do the same things now, without much of the adrenaline rush, and heart-pumping intensity I used to have whenever I am asked to do something, like to present before a superior, or whenever I hit a stumbling block in my research or current activity. I am now more pleased with myself that I can deliver things with composure and calmness. Well, part of this calmness could be due to the fact that I cannot afford to be stressed now and pass on the cortisol to my baby.

4. I have become more grateful of the blessings that come my way. Even if one night, I just teased R that he brought me an atis instead of a guyabano that was actually a guyabano, only much smaller than what I used to know. And I am truly grateful for the flowers and the breakfasts. =)

5. I have greater sympathy towards other mothers and children now. And I look up to those mothers who gave up their careers just to raise their children full-time. And sometimes, how I envy mothers who can afford to give up their jobs to be full-time moms. Not that I am considering, though, but that time might come in the future.

6. The thought of a family has made me more excited on how I spend my after-work evenings. Before, I didn't have a problem working overtime because I didn't have anything to do when I get home. And to me, "family time" or the thought of settling down is no longer equated to boredom and restlessness.

7. Though I still need more practice in this, I have become more careful in planning things. I no longer easily accept engagements without calculating ahead of time how I can find the time to deliver them. Before, I used to believe that nature will just help me - even if I would have to take sleepless nights - to finish something as promised or agreed. Now, I have to respect what my body wants me to do. If I need sleep, I have to sleep. This also means that I cannot just waste what free time I have on useless things. I have to carefully choose the ones that are my priorities now.

8. I now have a greater urge to speak up my thoughts. I owe it to my children to be more expressive of my thoughts. 

9. There is greater fear in me now for my loved ones. And thus, all the more reason for me to pray for the uncertain. What's important is we learn to surrender even our fears to Him above.

When Umi comes out, I know I will change some more. I am hoping these changes will make me a better woman. In the meantime, this pregnancy experience has been wonderful. I have been blessed with the people around me, especially R. I would love to be pregnant again. Haha! But there are just other priorities now that have to take over.

But, seriously, bearing a child is one glorious and humbling experience. Thank you, Lord, for this opportunity.

Friday night

I can't believe I am actually excited to go home tonight to assemble a newly purchased crib and playpen for Umi!

Excited

Just occurred to me.. Reading all about these delivery preps - birth plans, cord blood banking, stages of labor, etc. - has made me excited to actually see you, Umi. =)

In the meantime, you have my tummy as your playground. Love you.

A random present

I received this present from one of my office teammates this afternoon! Thanks Di. =)

Looks like an interesting book to read. On my 27th week of carrying Umi.