As Miriam Quiambao approaches the third trimester of her pregnancy, she was advised by her doctor to take things easy.
Aside from "back pains and other bodily aches," the former beauty queen has Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome (APAS), an autoimmune disorder.
According to SmartParenting.com.ph, this happens when the "body’s immune system makes abnormal antibodies that attack and damage tissues or cells."
It further explained: "When the body makes antibodies that mistakenly attack phospholipids, a type of fat that’s found in the blood, this then causes blood clots to form in veins and arteries, which can lead to numerous problems and complications."
Miriam's latest ultrasound also showed: "...my baby is too small for his age."
In her Instagram post yesterday, January 14, she revealed, "They found out that my placenta is thicker than normal, causing reduced blood flow to the baby."
According to MayoClinic.org, the placenta is an organ that develops in one's uterus during pregnancy. It provides "oxygen and nutrients" to the growing baby and "removes waste products" from the baby's blood.
Hence, the doctor prescribed the following:
1. Gain more weight.
2. Eat protein.
2. Take amino acid supplements on top of her daily Heparin injections for her APAS.
3. Take steroids to reduce inflammation in her placenta.
4. Take a nap.
Miriam wrote, "Every afternoon for baby’s health and mine too! So far I’ve only gained 12-13lbs since I got pregnant, but I need to gain more!! I’m actually about 3-4 lbs underweight.
"Please continue to pray that baby will catch up on normal weight and size and that all will be well.
"Believing that God continues to hear our prayers. Thanks so much! Do PM me if you need me to pray for your requests!"
She ended her post with a Bible verse from Philippians 1:6: “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Miriam also used the hashtags, "#JesusIsMyHealer #PregnantAt43 #MiracleBaby #GodAnswersPrayers"
The 1999 Miss Universe 1st runner up is currently 30 weeks pregnant.