Saturday, July 17, 2010
Sorry, a little late!
So when I said I would update Thursday after my ultrasound, I really meant "Saturday night after a day in the pool" oops! This ultrasound was probably my most uneventful ultrasound because Max was head down, face down just like he should be- which made it extremely difficult to see his face. My mom was able to go with me and we saw a glimpse but nothing too exciting. We did get to see the hair on his head and found out that he weighs 6 pounds 3 ounces! This means all of my pregnancy goals have been met: I knew I had to make it past 24 weeks, and I knew I wanted him over 5 pounds. And obviously I want him healthy. So far so good!! I absolutely cannot wait to hold this baby in my arms :)
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
35 weeks/NST
Since I have an ultrasound and will be updating again on Thursday I will make this pretty short. I went in today for another weekly Non Stress Test and OB appointment. Last week they told me to eat right before to increase fetal movement, so I took that as an opportunity to enjoy my all time favorite breakfast: a cinnamon crunch bagel with raspberry cream cheese from Panara Bread- yummm! The entire trip there Max was wiggling all around, and then I ate and I think he fell asleep because he did not want to move for anything. The first 15 mins of my NST Max moved one time, and since they like to see at least two movements with accelerated heart rates, they had to make Max move. The nurse did this by putting a little buzzer on my tummy, and WOW did Max jump! It was so funny and cute to see my whole tummy move, and it made him even that more real. There was one point when he wiggled away from the monitor and the nurse had to gently put her hand on it to pick up his heartbeat- just like Brody made the nurses at St V's do...it put a smile on my face to hear her talk about how he was ornery and wanted special attention, it brought back a lot of memories of my "Dennis the Menace" 20 months ago.
I then had my tummy check and all looked well. I did lose 5 pounds since last week...I think a lot of my swelling has gone down which helped attribute to this weight loss. My doctor says "just because hes scheduled for August 5th doesnt mean he knows that, he might want to come sooner." Lets just hope he waits till Jeremy gets home!
I then had my tummy check and all looked well. I did lose 5 pounds since last week...I think a lot of my swelling has gone down which helped attribute to this weight loss. My doctor says "just because hes scheduled for August 5th doesnt mean he knows that, he might want to come sooner." Lets just hope he waits till Jeremy gets home!
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
NST/ Change in Birthday
Going in to today's appointment I was very curious as to where I stood with my pregnancy. Within the last week, my feet and legs have swollen significantly, which can either be normal- or a sign of preeclampsia (this is one thing that annoys me about pregnancy- "normal" signs and bad signs are pretty much the same thing). My blood pressure was consistent today with what it has been this entire pregnancy, so it wasn't too much to worry about. I did end up gaining 10 pounds in the last week from becoming so swollen (one night last week I woke up and couldn't even bend my fingers they were so swollen). This is just something I am going to have to deal with, though, and as long as my blood pressure doesn't rise, Max and I are in good shape!
Today I also had my first weekly non stress test. Here they monitor the correlation between fetal movement and heart rate as well as contractions. First they establish a baseline fetal heart rate (Max's fell between 145-150 bpm) and then each time he moves his heart rate should increase about 15-20 bpm for at least 10-15 seconds. This shows that he is getting enough oxygen through the placenta. The nurse that monitored everything was so wonderful at explaining everything, but also told me she only shares the good information (because this is a NON stress test, not a stress causing test). She did say that everything looked good with Max, that everything looked exactly like it should. I was having consistent cramps (these look like mini contractions) that appeared on the monitor every few minutes and one contraction (this was in a 20 minute period). I couldn't feel the cramps, but could definitely feel the contraction. These have been coming approximately every 3 hours the past few days (but again this can be normal, I am in my last month).
While I was getting my NST, I was explained my due dates a little better. My initial due date was August 16 (according to my last period), my first ultrasound measured at August 18th, the next few ultrasound measured at August 15th, and the last few have measured at August 12th.
With my history and different factors in my pregnancy, my doctor advised that we move my c section up to the 5th of August. This means that Max's birthday will not be 8-9-10 like I had hoped it would be. I was pretty disappointed at first, but then my doctor said "once you have that baby in your arms, the date isn't even going to matter at that point." And I think this helped me put this all into perspective again. I have complete and utter faith that my doctor has my best interest and Max's best interest in mind when making decisions like this. With my most recent due date, I would have been delivering only 3 days before my due date, and with a history of placental abruption- my chances of having one again are 1 in 8. This is something I do NOT want to risk going through again, and moving up my c section might help prevent that. And while it would be cool to have a birthday of 8-9-10, I would much rather be holding a happy, healthy baby in my arms :) There is still the possibility that this date will change again depending on my ultrasound next Thursday or if I develop preeclampsia. Ultimately I am overjoyed that I will get to meet my son in a month or less!
Today I also had my first weekly non stress test. Here they monitor the correlation between fetal movement and heart rate as well as contractions. First they establish a baseline fetal heart rate (Max's fell between 145-150 bpm) and then each time he moves his heart rate should increase about 15-20 bpm for at least 10-15 seconds. This shows that he is getting enough oxygen through the placenta. The nurse that monitored everything was so wonderful at explaining everything, but also told me she only shares the good information (because this is a NON stress test, not a stress causing test). She did say that everything looked good with Max, that everything looked exactly like it should. I was having consistent cramps (these look like mini contractions) that appeared on the monitor every few minutes and one contraction (this was in a 20 minute period). I couldn't feel the cramps, but could definitely feel the contraction. These have been coming approximately every 3 hours the past few days (but again this can be normal, I am in my last month).
While I was getting my NST, I was explained my due dates a little better. My initial due date was August 16 (according to my last period), my first ultrasound measured at August 18th, the next few ultrasound measured at August 15th, and the last few have measured at August 12th.
With my history and different factors in my pregnancy, my doctor advised that we move my c section up to the 5th of August. This means that Max's birthday will not be 8-9-10 like I had hoped it would be. I was pretty disappointed at first, but then my doctor said "once you have that baby in your arms, the date isn't even going to matter at that point." And I think this helped me put this all into perspective again. I have complete and utter faith that my doctor has my best interest and Max's best interest in mind when making decisions like this. With my most recent due date, I would have been delivering only 3 days before my due date, and with a history of placental abruption- my chances of having one again are 1 in 8. This is something I do NOT want to risk going through again, and moving up my c section might help prevent that. And while it would be cool to have a birthday of 8-9-10, I would much rather be holding a happy, healthy baby in my arms :) There is still the possibility that this date will change again depending on my ultrasound next Thursday or if I develop preeclampsia. Ultimately I am overjoyed that I will get to meet my son in a month or less!
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Another week closer...
Today I went in for one of my 2 week appointments with my ob. Due to my recent ultrasounds my due date is now August 12...which means I scheduled my c-section for a mere 3 days before I should deliver. I am definitely cutting it close, which means I am somewhat expecting to deliver before the 9th. I am really ready for him to come anytime after the middle of July, though. A part of me thinks that the longer hes in there cooking, the better...and I have been waiting over a year and a half to hold my very own living, breathing child in my arms- what difference does a few weeks make? The other half of me worries about the chord wrapping around his neck, another placental abruption, or a car accident and if I could just get him here (after lungs are mature- of course) then I would know hes ok.
Ultimately I believe that any possibility of this little guy not making it was eliminated a long time ago. I truly believe I have an amazing doctor who thankfully caught my MTHFR and put me on the proper meds from the very beginning. While there is no proof that MTHFR and PPROM are linked, I believe completely that that is the reason I had problems with my pregnancy with Brody. Someday after I win the megamillions I will fund some sort of research on PPROM ;)
As far as future appointments go, heres the rundown: In two weeks I'll be back to my OB for another 2 week check and NST (Non stress test). From what I understand this is where I will be hooked up to 2 monitors to measure for contractions and the baby's heart rate for about 20 minutes. From there on out I will be in for weekly appointments and will also get the NST every week as well. I will also have one last ultrasound on July 15th to check amniotic fluid and development and make sure hes moving like he should be. I agree completely with my doc when he said today "hopefully we are doing all of this for nothing." We are getting close to the end, I cannot begin to thank all of you enough for all your support and encouragement through this entire process.
Ultimately I believe that any possibility of this little guy not making it was eliminated a long time ago. I truly believe I have an amazing doctor who thankfully caught my MTHFR and put me on the proper meds from the very beginning. While there is no proof that MTHFR and PPROM are linked, I believe completely that that is the reason I had problems with my pregnancy with Brody. Someday after I win the megamillions I will fund some sort of research on PPROM ;)
As far as future appointments go, heres the rundown: In two weeks I'll be back to my OB for another 2 week check and NST (Non stress test). From what I understand this is where I will be hooked up to 2 monitors to measure for contractions and the baby's heart rate for about 20 minutes. From there on out I will be in for weekly appointments and will also get the NST every week as well. I will also have one last ultrasound on July 15th to check amniotic fluid and development and make sure hes moving like he should be. I agree completely with my doc when he said today "hopefully we are doing all of this for nothing." We are getting close to the end, I cannot begin to thank all of you enough for all your support and encouragement through this entire process.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
31 week ultrasound update
Since the high risk doctor found me at moderate risk for pre eclampsia a few months back, he has wanted me to go in monthy for ultrasounds to check blood flow and birth weight. Yesterday Jeremy and I went in to check out Max on the ultrasound- and it was simply amazing.
We arrived bright and early to MFM at Toledo Hospital, and when we got called back the tech asked us if we knew the sex. We told her we have known for quite some time that it was a boy, and within seconds she found his "pickle" and said "whoa! that is definitely a boy!" There was Max, legs spread, proudly showing off his business, and it was funny. We then saw his foot, and she was so amazed it was so big, and told us we were going to have one big baby boy by the size of his feet:) She then went on to check blood flow into the brain, and through the umbilical chord. Everything was pumping good, although the chord was very hard to get a read on because Max was wiggling so much. Next she took measurements of legs, arms, belly, and head to get a read on how much the little guy weighs. Up until this ultrasound I was pretty much a pro. After about 100 ultrasounds in the past 2 years, I have been able to tell what everything is they are looking at and checking for. But this was my first ultrasound seeing a baby bigger than 26 weeks old, and its crazy how many more questions I asked this time around. I am very interested, and I want to know everything they are looking at, checking for, and if there is something that doesn't seem quite right. The Toledo techs tell me everything- which I love....the tech's at St. V's never told me anything because only the doctor was allowed to talk to me. I then asked to see if they could get some 3d images of the little guy. He was in a pretty good position so she went for it. Wow these were amazing!! Toledo Hospital has some of the best machines around, and the images were so clear. It was so fascinating watching him move his little hand up and down and wiggle. I laid there with the biggest smile on my face, just so thankful for this little miracle (while also making "oooohs and aaaaahs like most do when watching fireworks).
So here are the stats: Max had a heartbeat of 156 bpm and weighed in at 3 pounds 15 ounces....so possibly by today hes 4 pounds! I was 31 weeks 2 days gestation going in and measured at 32 weeks exactly. This was so great to hear since the high risk doc thought he was going to struggle to keep up with his weight from the lack of blood flow. But all looks wonderful!!
As far as me and how I am feeling: I no longer have any back pain and I have been feeling pretty good! My only complaint now is that my feet hurt alll the time, and I think a huge factor for that is that I primarily wear flip flops which dont provide much comfort. Its not horrible, but a good excuse to stay seated :)
We arrived bright and early to MFM at Toledo Hospital, and when we got called back the tech asked us if we knew the sex. We told her we have known for quite some time that it was a boy, and within seconds she found his "pickle" and said "whoa! that is definitely a boy!" There was Max, legs spread, proudly showing off his business, and it was funny. We then saw his foot, and she was so amazed it was so big, and told us we were going to have one big baby boy by the size of his feet:) She then went on to check blood flow into the brain, and through the umbilical chord. Everything was pumping good, although the chord was very hard to get a read on because Max was wiggling so much. Next she took measurements of legs, arms, belly, and head to get a read on how much the little guy weighs. Up until this ultrasound I was pretty much a pro. After about 100 ultrasounds in the past 2 years, I have been able to tell what everything is they are looking at and checking for. But this was my first ultrasound seeing a baby bigger than 26 weeks old, and its crazy how many more questions I asked this time around. I am very interested, and I want to know everything they are looking at, checking for, and if there is something that doesn't seem quite right. The Toledo techs tell me everything- which I love....the tech's at St. V's never told me anything because only the doctor was allowed to talk to me. I then asked to see if they could get some 3d images of the little guy. He was in a pretty good position so she went for it. Wow these were amazing!! Toledo Hospital has some of the best machines around, and the images were so clear. It was so fascinating watching him move his little hand up and down and wiggle. I laid there with the biggest smile on my face, just so thankful for this little miracle (while also making "oooohs and aaaaahs like most do when watching fireworks).
So here are the stats: Max had a heartbeat of 156 bpm and weighed in at 3 pounds 15 ounces....so possibly by today hes 4 pounds! I was 31 weeks 2 days gestation going in and measured at 32 weeks exactly. This was so great to hear since the high risk doc thought he was going to struggle to keep up with his weight from the lack of blood flow. But all looks wonderful!!
As far as me and how I am feeling: I no longer have any back pain and I have been feeling pretty good! My only complaint now is that my feet hurt alll the time, and I think a huge factor for that is that I primarily wear flip flops which dont provide much comfort. Its not horrible, but a good excuse to stay seated :)
Thursday, May 27, 2010
A Date has Been Set (probably)
So today I had my 2 week appointment with my doctor. My doctor said that I am getting to that point now where we can go ahead and schedule a c-section. He thought the 5th would be a good day, to which I replied "how about the 9th, I reeeeeally want the 9th." Of course he asked me the significance of this date, and I explained to him how I thought 8-9-10 for a birthday would be pretty sweet. He wasn't in surgery that day, but is going to get me in first thing that Monday morning at 8 am....and maybe even deliver at 8:09 am. Very cool!! On the other hand, he said he HIGHLY doubts that I will make it that far, that more than likely I will be delivering mid-July which is only 6 weeks away!! He says he feels completely comfortable with me delivering at 8 months, but as long as nothing is wrong we will stick it out until August 9th and keep little Max baking as long as possible. I am really fine with anything at this point. I just want a healthy little baby in my arms before the summer's end. My doc also wants my monthly ultrasounds done over at MFM at Toledo due to their amazing equiptment so I will be over there in a few weeks, and hopefully seeing a 3d scan of him. Jeremy is all about seeing his little boy via 3d ultrasound, so hopefully he will be around to check it out too!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
26 weeks- a scare, ultrasound, and lots of love
For those who may have forgotten, I delivered Brody during my 26th week of pregnancy. Already this week has not been smooth sailing. I started off Monday convinced I was leaking fluid, so as soon as school ended I ran out with my mom to the doctor to make sure everything was ok. Thankfully I was just paranoid and my water was still in tact. My doctor was very understanding, and reassured me that I did the right thing by coming in. In my situation, he said it is always better to err on the side of caution.
Wednesday (today) I had to go in for my monthly ultrasound as ordered by the high risk doc to make sure there is not a slow in growth. I was very curious to go into this ultrasound to see what he looked like, where he weighed in compared to Brody....because he is one day younger than Brody when he was born. He had tons (but not too much) of amniotic fluid, heartbeat was 160 bpm, and he weighed in at a whopping 2 pounds 2 ounces! (Brody was 1 pound 11 ounces when he was born) The tech tried to do a 3-d ultrasound, but his legs were covering his face so it was pretty tough to see anything.
I think the toughest part of this week, though, is realizing that this is when I had Brody. I just know how attatched I am to this baby, and I have NO idea how I made it through losing Brody. Back when I was in high school, I always thought my mom was crazy for answering the phone with a panicked voice when I would call home late at night...she would tell me she always feared the worse, which I never understood. Now thats how I answer the phone when I see it's my doctor calling. I guess now I don't think shes so crazy.
Needless to say this baby is looking perfect, and everything is going along perfectly...and I am pretty darn proud of myself for making it to 26 weeks before my first major freak out.
I also wanted to do a little comparison with my pregnancies, because after tomorrow everything will be new to me...and I have been asked a lot about how my two little boys treated me during pregnancy so here it goes: I threw up with Brody, never with this baby-although the nausea was a killer at night. I had bleeding on and off with Brody, and no bleeding this time around. I had an anterior placenta with Brody, and this time my placenta is in the back- which only means that I can feel WAY more movement. I hated the smell of beer with Brody- it made me soooo nausious, and I have been craving a beer the past 6 months with this baby (I make anyone around me drinking one let me smell it). I craved twizzlers pull n peels with Brody, and this time I can't get enough jello. Both babies left me with horrible headaches, but this baby has left me with back pain like I have never experienced. In the hospital, Brody would kick the heart monitor away from the nurses, but this baby will barely move if someone puts a hand on my belly. I showed a lot sooner this time around....I am a lot bigger now than I was when I had Brody. Both boys have grabbed ahold of my heart and have make an impact in my life like no one else...
Wednesday (today) I had to go in for my monthly ultrasound as ordered by the high risk doc to make sure there is not a slow in growth. I was very curious to go into this ultrasound to see what he looked like, where he weighed in compared to Brody....because he is one day younger than Brody when he was born. He had tons (but not too much) of amniotic fluid, heartbeat was 160 bpm, and he weighed in at a whopping 2 pounds 2 ounces! (Brody was 1 pound 11 ounces when he was born) The tech tried to do a 3-d ultrasound, but his legs were covering his face so it was pretty tough to see anything.
I think the toughest part of this week, though, is realizing that this is when I had Brody. I just know how attatched I am to this baby, and I have NO idea how I made it through losing Brody. Back when I was in high school, I always thought my mom was crazy for answering the phone with a panicked voice when I would call home late at night...she would tell me she always feared the worse, which I never understood. Now thats how I answer the phone when I see it's my doctor calling. I guess now I don't think shes so crazy.
Needless to say this baby is looking perfect, and everything is going along perfectly...and I am pretty darn proud of myself for making it to 26 weeks before my first major freak out.
I also wanted to do a little comparison with my pregnancies, because after tomorrow everything will be new to me...and I have been asked a lot about how my two little boys treated me during pregnancy so here it goes: I threw up with Brody, never with this baby-although the nausea was a killer at night. I had bleeding on and off with Brody, and no bleeding this time around. I had an anterior placenta with Brody, and this time my placenta is in the back- which only means that I can feel WAY more movement. I hated the smell of beer with Brody- it made me soooo nausious, and I have been craving a beer the past 6 months with this baby (I make anyone around me drinking one let me smell it). I craved twizzlers pull n peels with Brody, and this time I can't get enough jello. Both babies left me with horrible headaches, but this baby has left me with back pain like I have never experienced. In the hospital, Brody would kick the heart monitor away from the nurses, but this baby will barely move if someone puts a hand on my belly. I showed a lot sooner this time around....I am a lot bigger now than I was when I had Brody. Both boys have grabbed ahold of my heart and have make an impact in my life like no one else...
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